[ItalianStereotype]

hearts and minds, hearts and minds. the standard of living in Iraq has increased immeasurably; well over half the people have faith in and support the new government, the new army, the new police force, people are making more money, receiving better educations, becoming able to afford western decadence, and yet many of them spit on their benefactors. really, what do we owe to the international community?

emperors don't necessarily need to rule by fear. a good emperor would instill nationalism in his own people, as well as a healthy respect for imperial authority both at home and abroad. oppositely, empires should not fear those who hate and distrust them, but should control them, destroy them, or put them out of mind. and in any case, though it may seem antithetical to the very nature of empire, an "emperor's" first priority should domestic care, I think.