Essentials...

This article by Paul Wells illustrates the worst mistake being made by the American military in Iraq, the one that fatally undermines the best of what they want to accomplish there.

It's really the same mistake being made by the Israelis and generally by the entire western political presence in the Middle East.

Essentially, it's a lack of respect. A lack of manners. And it's enough to kill the deal.

Why "essential"?

Because it's always enough to kill the deal, and--as it happens, it's the same whether it's your next door neighbour, your friends, your dog or a country across the world.