Islamic State kills 220 Iraqis from (Sunni) tribe that opposed them

[Bragi]

1. "This is the punishment of anybody fighting Islamic State"

Indeed it is.

If I were a Muslim in that area of the world, I'd be trying to flee. Braver souls than me might stay and fight, but also die in large numbers.

Do you get the sense that maybe this isn't our fight after all?

I sure do. We've done untold harm in the region with our military adventures, and maybe the responsible thing to do now is to just put a military, economic and social "wall" of some sort around the region.

We could tell the people behind the wall that it's now their job to sort it out. Or not, their choice. Just let us know if you get it sorted out, and if you'd like to reestablish relations, and we'll see about dismantling the wall.

Until then, anyone is free to go over the wall to get into the region (be my guest!) but no-one gets out.

As for trade, forget it. There is nothing they have (including oil) that we really need.

- B