Translation:
(1. Destroying Saddam's regime was good no matter who did it or why.)
2. Although the Iraqis were far from grateful, we can't leave now because if we did, the country would lapse into war-lord-driven chaos.
3. The U.N. should come in and sort it out.
4. ...and some suggested that the U.S. should pay reparations.
While I agree with the last point, I am confused by the calculus of 1-3. I especially disagree with 1) which seems to lay the "moral" foundation for everything that follows.
I mean, invasions inevitably bring chaos, which inevitably bring the call for order, which is inevitably implemented by the occupying force, according to their notions of order.
To say that the U.S. must stay because otherwise the country would dissolve in further chaos or to say that the U.N. must now intervene to restore order -- is to let the U.S. off the hook for the original savage, unfounded act of aggression and, really, to blame the victim.
Joanna