Well, if you don't let the MSM cloud your thinking, that's easy -

we've given the Iraqi people the opportunity to initially set up a democratic form of government. How that evolves it up to them.

Ok, your right, if we were to pack up and leave them to their own devices... However, If we did (pack & leave) and they started to revert back to a non-democratic government (on their own), don't you think the U.S. would do what was necassary to tip the scales on behalf of democracy...? If so, is that not (in a sence) forcing democracy on them...?
Bush's Motto should be; Onward Christian Soldiers (Marching Off to War)....!!!!

The only way we can establish a peaceful world is to ensure that governments reflect the will of the people. The history of mankind so far certainly suggests that when this condition is not obtained, wars either internal (revolutions) or external break out. And while it does seem that some form of "democracy" is the best way to achieve this kind of peace and stability, whether this form is the same for all cultures and histories of different peoples is certainly debatable. If one imposes by force one form of democracy upon a people, one will surely see it, through the process of history, take on a "natural" and probably different form as a nation makes it its own.
Z

I agee with that, Z.

That gradual shake-out probably won't happen for quite a few years - possibly through a number of US Presidential Administratons.

Well put Z... I agree..., But don't you think forcefulness may cause resentment?

Or, could it be that liberation from tyranny will foster appreciation?

Good point, but don't you think religious beleifs play a big role in adapting the form of government deemed acceptable... I think Democracy is in conflict with many of the deep rooted ideals of the Muslim religion. (or so they seem to beleive)... Granted, we have many Muslims in the U.S., But are the Americanized Muslims considered fundamentalist (as are the majority of "Mid-East Muslims")
I just don't see Iraq adapting Democracy (as we know it).
Isreal, and Saudi Arabia's form of democracy is a far cry from ours..!

The imposition of any form of government upon a society certain can cause resentment, and if strong enough, will cause the society to reject that form without really "giving it a chance" and working through, however difficult or long the process, the problems any new form of organisation generally causes.
In the case of Irag, it might not end up a contradiction that the US is praised by Iragis for liberating it from a tyrant, while seen by the people as substituting a tyranny just as bad.
Lastly, it would seem from the example of Turkey, that if the Iragis accept the separation of religion from politics, and a secular state that embraces all of the Muslim and Christian sects, then there is a chance that some kind of democracy will take hold. We must remind ourselves in the case of Iraq, that Saddam's regime 'though tryannical was nevertheless secular in nature, so the concept is not foreign to its citizens.

Only a government that authentically reflects the condition of its citizens, their history, their beliefs, and their goals has any chance of maintaining itself.

Z

To borrow a quote from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address ...that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Does this statement only apply to Americans?

Actually, even our forefathers were against "absolute power to the people"..!!!
Besides, who are we (a Christian nation) to decipher the will of a Muslim fundamendalist nation?

I find absolute... irony?... in the fact that we want to establish them as a "free" country, and yet we continue to force our ways down their throats.

We aren't forcing them we 're letting them choose what they want, that why they voted.

Isn't it wrong to force your beliefs on anyone?
Offer, present, and allow them to make their own minds up.
Isn't that what democracy is about in the first place?

Let's see, Iraq tried to steal it from Kuwait, you might want to ask Hussein that question. But if your trying to say the U.S. is stealing it I will challenge you to provide proof of your allegation.

Let's see, I do believe this little news item proves you wrong;

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/20...aq-voters_x.htm
The relatively smooth election and long lines of men and women who braved violence to vote bode well for the new Iraqi government. The turnout — estimates ranged up to 60% — will bolster the credibility of the Iraqi officials in Iraq and around the world.

With the threat of being killed if they voted 60% still turned out. Can you say the same for this nation without the threat of death?