Hi Yanniru:
I predict that the battle will be won only when the rational people of Iraq defeat the irrational ones.

I agree with the idea that we hope a good outcome will occur eventually. Rationality seems incomplete unless better defined.

Rational persons are by definition politically pragmatic and they will focus on, materially technically, more sophisticated solutions.

So...this means rational people will form coalitions -- make near-term 'friends' for the purposes of fighting wars -- they will employ a strong technical focus to buy and/or make the most effective weapons. By these two factors, a war will end with "rationality" the victor.

This does not mean the victors will govern justly after the war is over. For that, something more than rationalism is needed.
"Rational" usually becomes a top-down technocracy
pretty quickly, which can be good in some groups, but is very weird and skewed in other groups. What is the "something more" that is needed?"

• Ahh...Yes. The next step - secretary - June 30, 2005 - 20:37 UTC
  • which presests a problem - carefuluniverse - July 15, 2005 - 14:18 UTC