gogul: History is told by survivors of it, so naturally most history has it's ugliness when it comes to power, politics and the ilk. As for the horizon museum pieces.. no. it's a matter of the Taliban out lasting... they know they are no match for us in the battlefield.

And politics in the middle east involves more than the Israeli/Palestinian problem. Religion, cold war and much separatist division. Those who study history would be wise to remember that before Saddam Iraq was torn by civil war, he gave stability to that country, but power and being used by various factions in their 'best' interest power corrupted him and his regime. Billions of dollars fed into his economy so no-one else would have to dirty their hands with blood.

And to why Saddam didn't want inspectors... because the country's army was so weak that he didn't want the Iranians knowing fearing an invasion. I guess the USA knew that seeing as he was such an easy quick victory. Yet all that man power tied up there is a shame as it limits the efforts in Afghanistan.