Realism

At COTTonLINE we try not to dwell overmuch on the Middle East/North Africa region, viewing it as essentially beyond help. That said, Aaron David Miller writes realpolitik concerning MENA for RealClearWorld that's worth sharing. His six bullet points:

Want Hollywood endings, go to the movies.
Blame America, but blame the locals more.
Doctrines are disastrous.
Want a perfect friend? Get a dog.
Don't let rhetoric outstrip reality or capacity.
Forget transforming the region.

If I can put words in his mouth, Miller views MENA as being like a case of type 1 diabetes. That is, you can't cure it so you manage it as best you can, knowing it will be a "forever" problem, with an eventual bad prognosis.

He's too cool to write it, but siting Armageddon in the region feels right. Putting it off as long as possible seems our only viable option.