Letter: Iraq invasion was miscalculation from the start

Tuesday, July 6, 2004 | 8:53 a.m.

Why is it we call those in Iraq resisting the invaders and conquerors of their country "insurgents." which implies they are rising up against their own government. There really is no government there except for a few self-indulgent opportunists.

The Iraqi people don't want us in their country and as bad as Saddam was, many of them would prefer him to what is going on now. Maybe it is necessary for the U.S. to maintain a belligerent presence in order to save face and keep the country from being torn apart now that we have made a mess of it. But this only serves to vindicate those who warned against the invasion and have opposed it every step of the way.

Administration officials made serious miscalculations when they predicted the invasion would be a cakewalk and that our forces would be met with the complete acquiescence of a joyously grateful populace.

Had Iraq not been invaded and Osama bin Laden's capture been relentlessly pursued, President Bush may have won re-election in a landslide. But his chances are slim now.

DANIEL F. OLIVIER