In my life, I've known about two dozen Iraqis. Some of them were in the military (before Hussein) ... some were students ... some were refugees. I have never gotten any other read from them than that they were just like us as far as personal qualities like courage and patriotism go. Certainly, some of the Islamists are very concerned when a high religious leader like Sadr says "don't fight", and I can understand it. However, as the country becomes more and more unified, the sense of nationalism for IRAQ will become more evident.
When I hear the heartbreaking stories of so many Iraqis who are so brave to volunteer to be policemen and military and other government workers knowing that they place their lives on the line simply to stand in the employment queue, I have to discount fears that they will not succeed. I have known many Iraqis who have been waiting anxiously for this chance at a democratic Iraq, and I believe fervently that they will succeed in under even a single generation.
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I sincerely hope you are right.