Bush has finally admitted defeat in Iraq.

Well, not in so many words, but the White House is "lowering expectations" about what can be accomplished here. According to the same officials, "the United States no longer expects to see a model new democracy, a self-supporting oil industry or a society in which the majority of people are free from serious security or economic challenges."

Um, excuse me, but then what exactly was the point of invading Iraq, toppling me from power, flushing hundreds of billions of dollars down the toilet, and directly causing tens of thousands of deaths?

In fact, you may recall that America's original reason for attacking was the elimination of my vast non-existent stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction. It wasn't until that didn't work out that Bush decided to start saying that the reason he invaded was to create a thriving democracy in the heart of the middle east. And now even that alternate goal has blown away like a summer sandstorm!!

So then what has the United States accomplished, besides turning my country into a training ground for terrorists?

Well, according to Bush's radio address last Saturday, "Iraqis are taking control of their country, building a free nation that can govern itself, sustain itself and defend itself. And we're helping Iraqis succeed."

Huh? Who is he kidding? The people governing Iraq can't venture outside without heavy duty armed escorts or they'll be assassinated. There are car bombs--often several a day--going off all over the country. And the governing council can't agree on a damn constitution!

What good is freedom if you can't step outside without fear of getting blown into a thousand pieces?

Any pro-American government that does attempt to form won't last won't last without intense support from Bush. And it's that very support that will doom Iraq to lasting turmoil and ongoing terrorism. Bin Laden and his followers have already targeted the pro-western governments of other middle eastern countries for attacks, and anyone who tries to govern Iraq with American support will also be in the sights of Al Qaeda followers.

Well, if Bush ever decides to say that the reason for invading Iraq was to create an absolute, unadulterated mess, at least he'll finally be able to legitimately claim "mission accomplished."