The Lewis Doctrine

Another reason why history is important, check out WSJ.com - A Historian's Take on Islam Steers U.S. in Terrorism Fight. It's worth reading his "What Went Wrong" and "Crisis of Islam," at the very least to understand how our political leaders view Middle East history. Excerpt:

Call it the Lewis Doctrine. Though never debated in Congress or sanctified by presidential decree, Mr. Lewis's diagnosis of the Muslim world's malaise, and his call for a U.S. military invasion to seed democracy in the Mideast, have helped define the boldest shift in U.S. foreign policy in 50 years. The occupation of Iraq is putting the doctrine to the test.