Berman and Buruma

A testy exchange between two writers I admire tremendously. The animosity is fueled by smaller differences than exist in many of the debates on the war in Iraq. But in this war, and its disastrous implementation in Iraq, it is very hard not to become angry, and to be angriest at those from whom we expected better and with whom we otherwise have much in common. What is admirable about both men, even in their ill temper, is that they understand the stakes of the last few years, and take them seriously. I'd rather observe the anger that comes from that than the indifference, complacency and smugness of so many others.