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"That is why I believe Iraq is so important. If a free and tolerant nation can be born, proving cultural change is possible, we may well avoid an all out world war."

That's obviously not going to happen. We can't control the chaos and the different factions. Those wonderful Iraqis who we liberated have also been having demonstrations against the cartoons. The Iraqis most likely hate us more than the people in other Muslim countries. We should put Saddam right back in power as they deserve him.

The fate of Iraq is a totally different issue from that of Islam. The nature of Islam isn't dependent on whether Saddam is or is not in power or whether there are elections. The religion is toxic and has produced a dysfunctional society. How can superficial changes like a dictator's removal or a few one-day elections change the inner nature of a civilization that stiffles free thought, creativity, and tolerance?

US failure in Iraq is not going to matter in the long run, as the West, and the rest of the non-Muslim world, is still going to have to confront Islam. In the unlikely event that Islam can either reform or fade away peacefully, that would be great. If it can't, then there is going to be a worldwide cataclysmic war, compared to which our efforts in Iraq will be but a mere footnote.

You make some very good points there. What's utterly ironic is that a secular Islamic leader in the Middle East who has the means and the will to slaughter thousands of his own citizens is probably the most effective check on radical Islam in the world today.

Who's the dope in Washington who believed that putting Saddam Hussein on trial was a good idea?

The fate of Iraq is a totally different issue from that of Islam.

Couldn't disagree more....

At the very least, if the citizens decide to elect those supporting Sharia Law and continued violence against the west (as did the Pali's) we will have no excuse in understanding what we are up against. In addition, no one will be able to excuse the actions of the country stating it is not what the people want.

If a goverment that comes into power is willing to live in peace with the West, as well as, attempt to improve the lives of its' citizenry, than we have taken a large step forward. If this should happen, it will impact surrounding states.

Where you see doom and gloom, I see hope and clarity.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think this will be easy, and in the end (as you stated) it may not even be possible. Yet, I'd rather this play out before we resign ourselves to an all out world war....

We will probably sacrifice another 1000 or so lives finding out the realities of Iraq. Losing 3,500 souls will be well worth it if Iraq becomes a positive force in the ME. If Iraq should fail, the 3,500 lives lost, and the money spent, will pale compared to the carnage to come in its' wake....IMHO....