Andy McCarthy’s dissatisfaction with the Iraq SOFA agreement has been earning some contempt, but like Eric Martin I found it rather refreshing. Unlike so many of his conservative brethren, McCarthy realizes that what the Bush administration has wrought is defeat; no permanent bases, a democracy that’s shaky at best, an Iraqi populace that despises the United States, and an improved strategic situation for Iran. At a time when the conservative blogosphere is shaking its little fists and shrieking “VICTORY!!11!!!11”, McCarthy’s stance amounts to a relatively clear-headed voice of reason.

–Robert Farley

Robert Farley is an assistant professor at the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, University of Kentucky. He contributes to the blogs Lawyers, Guns, and Money and TAPPED.