<Is this a sea change in American policy? Will America, from this time forward, use force to impose philosophy and political uniformity on the world? We'll see. It didn't work for the Soviet Union. I don't understand how we think it will work any better for us.

A lot depends on the philosophy of those using force, doesn't it? And the motivations? Freedom does tend to have more of an appeal than totalitarianism.

Most people are a lot happier to see the cops show up than the gangsters, although they both carry guns.

I don't think you are one of those types who makes tyrannical regimes equivalent to free societies just because they both have weapons.

What if we liberate the Iraqis and, when given a free choice, they choose another junta? Do we overthrow that as well?

Nobody willingly elects a dictator. They elect people who turn into dictators, but I have yet to see someone running a campaign on the theme of totalitarian control of a nation that got many votes.

But to answer your question: The uncomfortable, but accurate answer is that as long as we have stripped them of their dangerous weapons, and keep them that way, the actual form of government is not critical from the specific viewpoint of our defense interests and the safety of the U.S. and allies.

In fact, had Saddam actually willingly disarmed himself openly and cooperatively (like South Africa did), we theoretically would have cheerfully left him in power. Sucks, but true.

Naturally, we will get a lot better results politically, economically, and otherwise if a free, tolerant society is formed in Iraq. Not only would we be safer, but everyone would prosper, including Arabic neighbors. A successful, independent, free government that manages to incorporate the wildly diverse interests of various parts of the Iraqi population would be a success that almost dwarfs our military efforts.