...Ukraine's experience has become a democratic benchmark. By briefly overlaying Iraq on Ukraine, we may better understand Iraq's prospects. Vladimir Putin last week mocked the likelihood of a real democratic event happening in Iraq next month.... Courts function in Iraq, but unlike Ukraine judges in Iraq must worry about being shot.... As important is a thriving middle class -- "independent economic forces that can financially support alternative political parties and the like." But he pointed out the danger of minimizing a nation's prospects by underestimating the momentum of the democratic process.... Iraq's instability, notably in the country's center, is well...