THE CAPITAL LETTERS ARE ONLY TO DISTINGUISH MESSAGES, NOT FOR EMPHASIS.

"Iraq doesn't seem keen on the idea of American-style democracy."

Whatever. Unlike you, I don't wish to speak for Iraq.

NOT SPEAKING FOR IRAQ.

"Taiwan is capitalistic, and trying to avoid a communist government."

Taiwan has relations with China. Btw, another name for Taiwan is the Repubic of China whereas China is also known as the People's Repubic of China.
http://www.gio.gov.tw/
http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/
The last link you will find mention of the "one-China policy":

UNRESPONSIVE.

"Bush told Wu that there is no change in the position he stated about the Taiwan issue when he met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabaoin the Oval Office of the White House on Dec. 9 last year.

"We oppose any unilateral decision by either China or Taiwan to change the status quo, and the comments and actions made by the leader of Taiwan indicate that he may be willing to make decisions unilaterally to change the status quo, which we oppose," Bush said at a joint appearance with Wen at that time. "

AND WHY NOT FORMALIZE THE DE FACTO INDEPENDENCE AND DEMOCRACY OF TAIWAN? AFTER ALL, IRAQ WAS SOVEREIGN, AND THE IDEA OF CHANGING THEIR SITUATION WAS/IS NOT ANATHEMA TO THE US. WHY NOT HELP OTHERS TO INDEPENDENCE AND FREEDOM?

"Iraq has been more socialistic."

You realize, of course, the British are socialists- particularly the Labor party which is in power and is being led by Tony Blair. It's a relative term, and I would say the US is far too socialistic. I think the word you looking for is Totalitarian.

UNRESPONSIVE. I MEANT SOCIALISTIC.

"Taiwan wants help to stay free. In other words, Taiwan is an ideal situation and wants to stay that way."

But Taiwan's leader is the one advocating a change. If Taiwan does not want the US to protect it's current status, it is free to remove itself from American's miltary protection. We don't recognize Taiwan as independent of China. We think it's in our interest and everyone's interest that Taiwan remain as part of China. We support the idea of dialogue between China and Tiawan, we will not allow China to use force overthrow Taiwan- and China has agreed that it will not use force- so long as Taiwan does not insist on being separated from China.

AND WHAT'S WRONG WITH CHANGE? GWB IS SPENDING LIVES AND A FORTUNE TO EFFECT CHANGE IN IRAQ.

"Iraq wants the US to go away. In other words, Iraq is a quagmire."

If Iraq leadership on July 1 wants the US to leave Iraq, then we will leave. As a sovereignty it can make this choice.

NONSENSE. AS A MATTER OF FACT, IRAQ WAS SOVEREIGN WHEN INVADED.

"Taiwan wants help to stay free. In other words, Taiwan is an ideal situation and wants to stay that way."

But Taiwan's leader is the one advocating a change. If Taiwan does not want the US to protect it's current status, it is free to remove itself from American's miltary protection. We don't recognize Taiwan as independent of China. We think it's in our interest and everyone's interest that Taiwan remain as part of China. We support the idea of dialogue between China and Tiawan, we will not allow China to use force overthrow Taiwan- and China has agreed that it will not use force- so long as Taiwan does not insist on being separated from China.

WE'RE BACK TO THIS AGAIN. HELPING TAIWAN BECOME AN INDEPENDENT STATE IS A NOBLE GOAL. FORCING IT TO MAKE NICE TO A BRUTAL COMMUNIST DICTATORSHIP IS NOT NOBLE. NO MATTER IF DONE BY DEMOCRATS OR REPUBLICANS.

AND RATIONALIZING THE SITUATION IS IN EFFECT SELLING OUT THE TAIWANESE. OR THE CHINESE ON TAIWAN.

Arf