Well, it's taken me 36 years, but if nothing else, the ongoing war in Iraq has taught me that Democracy (whatever that really is) is no panacea. This sounds harsh and heartless, but there's plenty of the world that's not ready for self-determination. Should we build institutions that pave the way? Sure. But true self-determination is one of those things that must be evolved into... people tend to gloss over our own history for example. Read about Shay's rebellion, the Whiskey Rebellion, et. al... the Articles of Confederation timeframe was a rather difficult time for anybody.

That being said, it would be criminal of us to leave Iraq now. You can't walk into a school yard, hand out brass knuckles to a bunch of 12 year old boys, slap a couple in the back of the head, then walk off and leave them in a pitched brawl claiming 'hey, this all their doing'. It's time for us to get about the business of acting towards our stated goals.

P.S. Sorry for the long absence folks. No temper tantrums this time... I got a new job. Details in the frontroom when I get some time.