Machiavelli

If Machiavelli was alive today, and was hired as a consultant by the U.S. government to advise it on the occupation of Iraq, he would tell the U.S. that they would need to go into Iraq, help out the poor people, but not get them rich, help out the rich, but not let them get any richer. Leave the laws as they are, or if to change them ask the people what they …

…that might occur. Machiavelli says that's the best way to govern, to be the best prince, is to be aware of every possible outcome and know the best solution before it happens. To make the best choice so that it will not cost you your power, and have everyone on your side with some kind of power but not too much, and make sure that there is no possible way someone can take your place.