Iraq/New Orleans

A few thoughts on the travesty that has befallen New Orleans after Katrina:

• If the government (take your pick: federal, state or city) is unable to provide security for the people of New Orleans immediately after a natural disaster like Katrina, is it any wonder that the US government is unable to provide security to the people of Iraq? The "insurgency" that has happened in New Orleans the past few days merely shows why the insurgency in Iraq has gone on for so long.
• The US government will never, ever gain international support for another Iraq-type invasion. Governments around the world will look at both the Iraqi and New Orleans insurgencies and say, "The US is very good at destroying things, but they cannot build something back up again. If they can't provide a stable environment after a disaster (natural or man-made) so that we can help these people (which is to the benefit of everyone), why should we help them?" This shows very clearly where American priorities lie.
• I haven't heard any news about the likes of Halliburton or Bechtel licking their chops to help rebuild New Orleans anytime recently. ... Oh, I forgot, there's no money to be made in helping one's own people.