Meaning: The quote by Andrew Greeley, a clergyman, reflects a critical view of the Iraq War and the efforts made by the President to mend the strained relationships between the United States and its former allies. It encapsulates the idea that the war in Iraq was perceived as criminal and sinful by some, and that the President's attempts at reconciliation were seen as being conducted on his own terms.

The Iraq War, which began in 2003, was a highly controversial and polarizing conflict. The decision to invade Iraq was based on the belief that the country possessed weapons of mass destruction, but this premise was later proven to be false. As a result, the war was widely criticized both domestically and internationally. Many viewed it as an unjustified and illegal act of aggression, leading to the description of the war as "criminal" and "sinful" in Greeley's quote.

The reference to the war entering its third year indicates the ongoing nature of the conflict at the time when the quote was made. By that point, the war had already resulted in significant loss of life, both military and civilian, and had sparked widespread protests and condemnation.

The President's visit to Europe mentioned in the quote likely refers to efforts to repair the strained relationships between the United States and its European allies, many of whom had been critical of the decision to go to war in Iraq. The implication that the President was attempting to heal these wounds "on his own terms" suggests a degree of unilateralism or assertiveness in the approach to reconciliation.

Andrew Greeley's background as a clergyman provides a context for his perspective on the war and its implications. As a religious figure, he may have been particularly attuned to the moral and ethical dimensions of the conflict. His characterization of the war as "sinful" reflects a moral judgment, suggesting that the actions taken in Iraq were not in line with principles of justice and righteousness.

Overall, the quote captures a perspective on the Iraq War that was prevalent among certain segments of the population, both in the United States and abroad. It reflects the deep divisions and moral concerns that surrounded the conflict, as well as the challenges involved in repairing the diplomatic fallout from the war.

In conclusion, Andrew Greeley's quote provides a critical reflection on the Iraq War and the attempts at reconciliation undertaken by the President. It encapsulates the moral and ethical dimensions of the conflict, as well as the complexities of international diplomacy in the aftermath of a highly controversial and divisive war.