WAS THE IRAQ INVASION WORTHWHILE? Ask An Iraqi. “I take Toni Morrison’s beliefs seriously. The serial and tragic mistakes of the Bush administration, and the naivete of people like me, make questioning the value of the invasion necessary. I thought that Iraq, with competent American help, could make the transition to at least semi-democracy, even after suffering such physical and psychological damage during the bleak years of Saddam’s reign. But those who believe the invasion was an act of insanity — especially those who fashion themselves as advocates for human rights, dignity and liberation — should at least ask Saddam’s many victims for their opinion on the matter before rendering final judgment. I would encourage Morrison, too, to talk to Iraqi victims. I’m sure the American University in Sulaimani would be happy to give her a visiting professorship.”

If you take Toni Morrison’s beliefs seriously, then the naivete hasn’t entirely gone away.