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Dear Iraq: It's Time to Step Up. Sincerely, W

'Financial 9/11' calls for nation-building—at home, says Friedman

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 24, 2008 8:57 AM CDT

(Newser) – As America faces "a financial 9/11," what does the $1 trillion bailout mean for the country's other huge expense—the war in Iraq? Thomas L. Friedman plays ventriloquist in the New York Times, imagining President Bush telling Iraqi leaders that "you are now going to have to step up and finish this job" as the US will "turn inward to get our house back in order."

"American taxpayers who would not let their money be used to subsidize their own companies," writes Friedman as Bush, "will not have their tax dollars used to subsidize your endless dithering over which Iraqi community dominates Kirkuk." It's still in America's interest to encourage stability in Iraq, of course. But "I’ve been way, way too patient with you. That is over."

[Images (5)]

[Quotes (3)]

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, center, and National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley, right, listen to President Bush, left, during their meeting with Iraq Coalition at the United Nations, Tuesday,... (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

President of Iraq Jalal Talabani greets other diplomats before the start of the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008 (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

A boy holds his brother as Iraqi police stands guard during a routine search for weapons and explosives in Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Loay Hameed)

U.S. President George W. Bush addresses the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

President George W. Bush exits Air Force One as he arrives in Austin, Texas on Monday, Sept. 1, 2008, to attend a briefing on Hurricane Gustav at the Texas Emergency Operations Center. (AP Photo/Jack Plunkett)

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Pass your election and oil laws, spend some of your oil profits and institutionalize recent security gains while you still have a substantial US presence. Read my lips: It will not be there indefinitely— even if McCain wins. - Thomas L. Friedman

Well, you want to see fear. Look in the eyes of Americans who are seeing their savings wiped out, their companies disappear, their homes foreclosed. We are a different country today. - Thomas L. Friedman

The American people want nation-building in America now. They will not walk away from Iraq overnight, but they will not stay there in numbers over time. I repeat: Do not misread this moment. - Thomas L. Friedman

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Dear Iraq: It's Time to Step Up. Sincerely, W