Iraq a giant happy land - by Niccolo M.

Some people, mostly who dislike Bush, refer to him and particualarly the men behind him as Machiavellian. I take offense at this. If, by invoking my name, you wish to draw the conclusion that this Administration is following my advice set down in The Prince, you will fail. For if Bush were to be contained within the margins of my little book, he would be an example of a failed prince. For though he is unaffraid of using his power, he useses it in ways that gain him little and cost his state much.
In my book The Prince, published in 1532, I say the following regarding garrisoning troops in conquered lands. "Maintaining armed men there, in place of colonies, one spends much more, having to consume on the garrison all the income from the state, so that the gain becomes a loss. And many more of the citizens are exasperated , because the whole state is injured by the continued movements of so many armed men. They all become aquainted with hardship and all become hostile toward you. The enemies, though you have beaten them in their own lands, remain and are resuppllied to do you injury. Garrisoning large armies to control conqured lands are as useless as colonies are useful."