Common Sense from Thucydides

(First published October 2, 2002)

During the current discussion about war in Iraq, I remembered another debate about war in ancient Greece. In that case the Athenian leader Nicias argued courageously and wisely against sending an expedition to Sicily. Among his political virtues, Ronald Reagan possessed courage and wisdom. Here are some thoughts, adapted from Thucydides, that a leader like Reagan might express today about why the United States should not invade Iraq:

"People everywhere respect what is most remote and least liable to have its reputation put to the test. At the least reverse, many would look down on us, and would join our enemies against us. We have ourselves experienced this with regard to Al Qaeda and their allies. Our unexpected success, as compared with what we feared at first, has made us suddenly despise our enemies, tempting us further to aspire to the conquest of Iraq.

Instead of being elated by the misfortunes of our adversaries, we ought to think of breaking their spirit before giving ourselves up to confidence. We must understand that the one thought awakened in Al Qaeda by their disgrace is how they may even now, if possible, overthrow us and repair their dishonor; for military reputation is their oldest and chiefest study.

Our struggle, therefore, if we are wise, will not be for the removal of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, but how to defend ourselves most effectively against the diabolical machinations of Al Qaeda."