[aquaculture]

But there are already Arab countries that are moving towards democracy, like Morocco, Tunisia, and Jordan. All 3 have elected parliaments; true, they have kings, too, but all are youngish and pro-Western and realize the future of their countries lies in democracy. Why not simply usher along those countries that are already getting on board, and holding them up as examples of democratizing Arab countries? The problem with the Iraq invasion is that we're pissing Muslims off there, which won't convince them to get on board with democracy, which is our goal; it will do the opposite. The better plan to speed up the democratization of the Arab world is the one I've outlined above. Invading Iraq will achieve the opposite result, and I hope it doesn't cost Bush his job.

[Consort]

We're boxing in Iran.

[Alas Babylon!]

You do realize, don't you, that recent polls (yes, real polls by Gallup were recently done in Iraq) have the Iraqis, by about 70%, wanting the US to STAY there and help them get their democracy started? Iraq is 66% Shia, who want us there. Kurds make up about 15%--they want us there. The 19% Sunnis--Saddamites/Ba'athists hate us, and are the ones primarily fighting us, but they are a distinct minority. So, if they're getting pissed off (and they are), well, it's only our big media that's made you think they speak for all Iraqis.

[Pubbie]

STOP IT! Discuss Iraq on a DIFFERENT thread.

[LenS]

Those countries are only moving towards democracy because their leaders are afraid that the US military will invade their countries. If the US was pulling a Somalia again, they'd be lining those legislators up against a wall.

[Fledermaus]

You should stay off the crack cocaine and quit reading Pat Buchanan and writing Jay Rockefeller's memos.