Thomas Friedman was on CSPAN2 last night.

The show was really compelling. Friedman seemed to have a compassion for the Arab world that led to understanding of the situation.

I think compassion is really important in times of war…Actually, it’s important right before times of war. Which would be now.

This has been one of my difficulties in discussing the Iraq situation with folks. I know for sure that no one I have met understands the situation even fundamentally.

Yes, we know about non-compliance of resolutions. We know about the possible consequences of mass-destruction weapons.

But before you engage someone, it seems intelligent to understand their motivation.

Calling Saddam insane, which W. essentially did in his State of the Union address, is simply lazy diplomacy.

Just saying “He’s crazy! He might do anything!” is a very weak strategic position.

I don’t know if I agree with everything he said, because I haven’t checked it all out yet. But he’s the first person I’ve heard that I had initial respect for.

I just keep thinking that we haven’t really sat down and LISTENED yet.