Iraqi Leaders Read Michael Ledeen

Or so I gather from this ultimatum that the democratic regime in Baghdad issued to Boy Assad:

Iraq's defense minister criticized Syria on Tuesday for ignoring Iraqi demands "to stop the infiltration of terrorists."

The official, Saadoun al-Dulaimi, singled out Iraq's western neighbor as among states that are slack on stopping the flow of militants into his country.

"When the lava of the exploding volcano of Iraq overflows, it will first hit Damascus," al-Dulaimi warned during a news conference to discuss an upcoming nationwide security plan.

Rather colorfully expressed, as one might expect from an Arab regime. Really more of a threat than an ultimatum, since "when the lava...overflows" is a rather large qualifier.

Bushophobes and militant pacifists will doubtless scoff that Mr. al-Dulaimi has an American hand up his back. Frankly, I don't care much either way. Because, either way, it's a step in the direction of finally undertaking the next operation in the GWOT by taking out another regime of the "terror masters," without which this war cannot be brought to a successful conclusion.

As Mr. Ledeen wrote yet again just today:

President Bush’s original instincts were right: We are at war with a series of terrorist groups, supported by a group of nations, and it makes no sense to distinguish between them. We’re fighting fiercely against the terror groups, and we’re killing and defeating lots of them. But we’re not nearly as vigorous as we should be in speeding up the fall of the mullahs, the Assads, and a Saudi royal family that has played the leading role in spreading the doctrines that inspire the terrorists.

Can we move a bit faster, please?

The Iraqis appear to get that. Maybe they can pass the word up the "arm" to the Pentagon and beyond.

[HT: CQ]