A well written opinion piece, this articl makes a strong, if one sided case. The article assumes that the reader has read and interpreted a great deal of information. The assumption leads to its unvalance and the lack of quotes of any of the supporters and moderates, even to mock them, raises fairness questions. But this piece is not about fairness. It's about a view and a view supported by personal recounting of what the writer's views.

Asia Times Middle East analyst Pepe Escobar writes reliably, incisively and knowledgeably of the implications of the revised Bush war strategy, as it affects the Iraqi population and control of that country's oil reserves. Asia Times is based in Hong Kong with a bureau in Thailand. Escobar's stories following the US action in Afghanistan after 9/11 were valuable source of perspective.