Daniel Pipes

Daniel Pipes is the director of the Middle East Forum, a think tank that works to define and promote American interests in the Middle East. He has also written numerous books and articles on the region. In the following viewpoint written shortly after Saddam Hussein was deposed in 2003 by American-led coalition troops, Pipes argues that Iraq is in danger of falling under the control of a militant Islamic regime similar to the one governing Iraq’s neighbor, Iran. Such an outcome, he contends, must be prevented. He proposes that a “strongman” be installed by the U.S.-led coalition to rule Iraq in the interim to maintain stability and prevent an Islamic takeover. He adds that the United States and its coalition partners should maintain a quiet and supportive presence...