[Ramrod]

Originally Posted by foreverwar

But then shouldn't it also imply we were being "condescending and imperialistic" by invading it if the first place?

Possibly. (leaving aside the need to remove a dictator)

And isn't Michael Lewis, the letter's author, being "condescending and imperialistic" by stating that he understands the how the Iraqi and Middle Eastern cultures think, by stating himself "it is unreasonable to expect that the Shia would not dance for joy at the death of Saddam."

I don't think so. I think he is demonstrating some understanding of their mindset.