...in the position France was during the American revolution. We are watching a nation struggle and gain its own legs. The forces of religious and political oppression wish them to remain slaves and yet we will aid them to become free.

Wouldn't it also be Ironic if, say in 100 years, Iraq becomes a role model for Middle Eastern freedom and inspires revolutions and changes leading to greater freedom for other Middle Easterners.

And what about the non-believers? We take for granted that ever single Iraqi is Muslim and wants religious leaders. Obviously that is not true. Who speaks for the Iraqi atheist families? Who is going to protect them from the fanatics who keep them living a sham life and going through religious practices they don't really believe in just to save themselves from some violnet retribution? Is Mary Anne, Bowser or Don concerned about these folks? Do they even think about these folks at all? I do. I think about them a lot. I know that once the nation is safe for them to believe and live free, that their children can learn (girls too) how to read and find out about the history of the world, the US will have done a good job in helping to establish a more democratic, freedom-loving, Middle Eastern government.