Mistrusting the Counsel of Prudence

Christopher Hitchens quotes the same passage by the current president's father as Joi Ito quoted, and comes to this conclusion as to why George W. Bush should ignore George H. W. Bush's advice: “Both [George H. W.] Bush and [National Security Advisor Brent] Scowcroft—and [Secretary of State James] Baker—did make the irresponsible decision to let the Balkans bleed, which is why I mistrust the counsel of prudence that I opened by quoting”. The article is worth reading in full, because Hitchens restates the case for war and states the case for continuing the occupation, as well as the risks and negative impacts it entails.