Called by columnist David Brooks the “smartest and most devastating” critic of Bush’s Iraq policies, Galbraith describes the catastrophic consequences. Intended to bring democracy to the Middle East, intimidate Iran and Syria, help win the war on terror, protect Israel, and consolidate American world leadership, the war has: •handed Iran its greatest strategic triumph in four centuries •committed U.S. troops to fight to support an Iraqi govern- ment intent on creating an Iranian-style Islamic republic •created a Sunni militia •given Iran and North Korea a free pass to advance their nuclear programs •plunged U.S. prestige around the world to an all-time low •undermined the security of Israel, made Syria’s Assad regime more secure, and weakened ties with ally Turkey