"An Iraqi referendum would counter all of that. A national debate in Iraq over the continued presence of American troops would force many Iraqis to stop taking our protection for granted. Not everyone there craves democracy, but very few of them relish the idea of a civil war. Politicians, now invested in the survival of the political system, would be forced to take the responsible position if they wanted to keep their jobs. Indeed, rhetoric and interests would converge nicely for the first time in a while. Some would undoubtedly campaign for American withdrawal, but this would probably marginalize them and show the whole world where the hearts of Iraqis really lie."
http://www.nationalreview.com/goldberg/goldberg.asp

I don't agree. The Iraqis may choose not to show up- I mean how important is it, really? Would they risk bullets for it?
Voting for Iraqi leaders and voting for an Iraqi constitution is important was worth the threat of death or violence.
The Iraqi citizens voted for their leadership- these guys which are elected which are responsible for the security of the country [and have enough knowledge to make these kind of decisions]. The Iraqis *deserve* that their political leaders are able to make these kind of decisons.