The first draft of the U.S. Constitution was finished in 1787, after intense debate, and that with the Articles of Confederation as something to draw on. It was not adopted until 1789. The times between were, as the Chinese might say, interesting, and there were critical issues on the table the whole time, not the least of which was whether or not to include a Bill of Rights.

Political freedom, like economic freedom, is messy, and it doesn't bother me in the least. I have no idea what's going to come out the other end. Even after this interim document is worked out, the final will be voted on eventually by Iraqis. It might not be something I would vote for, but there it is. You can't guarantee freedom, you can just give people a shot at it and hope they can keep it. Iraq has a shot at it.

It hasn't even been one year since the coalition forces first crossed the border into Iraq. You wouldn't know a "quagmire" if it bit you on the ass.