...(get the skin off it) or there are many ways (fingernails/knife, little shreds/one continuous peel, etc.). There is the reason that Iraqis may have trouble with democracy, or there are many. Sure, fear of punishment for participation is/would be a detriment. How about: no faith that democracy is any better than charismatic leadership? How about: some clerics who think democracy may be unholy? How about: democracy is an American kind of thing - grrr, America? How about: "not invented here"? How about tradition/culture/history? I could go on for days.

The hilarious thing is, when you guys were trumpeting the neocon line about bringing democracy to the region, you ridiculed us on the left when we pointed out it would not be that easy. Is the story starting to change? Are we prophetic geniuses? Or are we still traitors for bringing it up?

Or are you guys traiters now, too? Welcome to the club, if so.