Our friends, the Arabs, are doing everything to denounce us on government TV and newspapers. This includes Egypt, which has gotten many billions from us in aid. How long will this craziness last?

Unless we "raze" Fallujah (and every other area hiding large insurgents of American and Jew hating Muslims), like Tammy Bruce and other pundits suggest, we are screwed in my opinion. The longer we invoke diplomacy or hit specific "targets," the so-called Arab Street (read" American and Jew hating Muslims) will take an inch and go the extra mile to make sure they continue supporting terror (read: spreading the virus of Islam).

> Arab leaders worry that if the United States falters and Iraq degenerates they will be left with a failed state spreading instability and terror through the region.

And this is bad for the US how?

I'd like Iraq to become a modern civil society. However, I'm perfectly happy if it ends up in a long running civil war, even (especially?) if that threatens the security of other mid-east hell-holes.

In other words, Israel is the goal, but I'll settle for Lebanon.

I think you are wrong in your initial characterisation that the comment "perfectly describes" Iraq under Saddam. Iraq was not a "failed state" (in the generally understood meaning of the phrase). The state and central government was in full control (pretty much) of the whole country (bar the Kurdish north). However disgusting his rule was (and it was - I supported the war and still do).

If the US and allies wind down their expectations too much, or decide to listen to the siren calls for withdrawal too early, then there is a serious danger that a a failed state will result. Power vacuums and balkanisation would be a disaster. Extremists and terrorists like this type of situation since it gives them a freedom to operate. Taken at face value, the comment you excerpt, expresses a valid concern and we must do all we can to prevent it happening.