Once the preliminary justifications for the invasion and occupation of Iraq (WMD, imminent threat, etc.) were shown to be (oops!) "mistaken," many hawks - especially those who are typically considered "liberal" - shifted to a justification of war based on humanitarian intervention.

Many on the Left responded by offering a historical critique of U.S. humanitarianism, pointing out the inconsistency in U.S. international humanitarianism, and suggesting that, perhaps, there are other factors at play - control of access to natural resources, projection of military power, etc. This was answered by some (Hitchens comes to mind) as illegitimate criticism because "now things are different" - the new administration dominated by neo-conservative ideology really is interested in a consistent, altruistic, humanitarian mission! Sure we defended and protected vicious killers like Saddam Hussein in the past - but no more! Saddam must stand trial in Iraq! He must be punished by the Iraqis he terrorized! Tyrants of the world take notice!

Now that we have turned this new leaf in international justice, I expect the U.S. will quickly extradite former Bolivian President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada to stand trial for the massacre of civilians last year per the wishes of the Bolivian Congress.

After all, Bush is no "flip-flopper." Right?

- via Big, Left, Outside