Cuz We Said So

Wait, did I say good news from Najaf? Er, never mind.

Last week, when my primary source of news was CNN Europe and the BBC in Switzerland, I heard much talk about the delegation from Baghdad that was to travel to Najaf to negotiate with al Sadr. Their intention, it was reported, was to seek a peaceful resolution in part through offering al Sadr full amnesty for any crimes and "a seat at the table" as part of the political process. There was much anchorperson ringing of hands over the prospect that peace talks would "break down".

Personally, I was delighted the talks in question broke down. It's not that I don't want peace, of course, but come on--this was a terrible idea. The situation in Najaf looks nasty, and I don't know whether the ultimate resolution will lead to a satisfactory outcome, but I definitely don't think this would have. I think that most often in life, you get from people the behaviors you reinforce. If you reward people for attempting violent overthrow of the government, more people will try. Strongman tactics have a long history just about everywhere on the planet, but they are still the leading order of the day in much of the Middle East. Getting past them is part of building a culture that can prosper. In the case of Muqtada al Sadr, he's wanted for murder, and is leading an armed insurrection. At a minimum, he has to end up worse off--I think a lot worse off--than if he had done nothing if "peace" is to be a good thing. Otherwise the next person to come along with aspirations like his will have his victory as encouragement.