Al-Banna and Afghanistan (in no particular order)

Rumsfeld wonders how well the monarchs and autocrats of the Middle East felt about Al-Banna’s recommendations.  How dare this peasant attempt to tell the all-powerful rulers how to govern.  What makes his version of political Islam any better than ours?  It is very likely that Al-Banna was quickly viewed as a radical and a threat to be taken very seriously.  The stinging implied criticism coming from the writings is impossible to ignore.  Although the ruling class in the Middle East publicly supported Pan-Arabism or the concept of one Arab state, most of them really viewed this concept as a threat to their stability. 

Rumsfeld would also like to comment on the current situation in Afghanistan.  Will Mr. Obama double down? fold? or simply hold the line.  As a former war-monger, I’d prefer more men, more tanks, and yes more money spent.  However, I do believe that perhaps a scaled back approach, utilizing quick response units, predator drones and concentrating on the AfPak border is what ultimately will be decided.