But even setting aside the debate over what to call the admittedly rough situation there, it is fascinating that the democracy we've given birth to in Iraq is setting an example for Iranians already (tip to Instapundit):
But now, in Iraq, Shi'ites are witnessing a new alternative: They can defend their rights at the ballot box, without establishing a religious state.
"We believe that politics is separate from religion," said Iraq's ambassador to Iran, Mohammed Majid al-Sheikh. "Of course there are debates about this. If Iran wants to take on these debates, it will benefit. And I could say that the experiment of Iraq will ripple throughout the Middle East."
Iran has worked hard to influence Iraq. US officials have accused it of fomenting violence there. Analysts say Iran welcomes low-grade chaos in Iraq in part to prevent the emergence of a democratic Shi'ite alternative that could embolden Iranian reformists, while at the same time courting Shi'ite Iraqis by presenting itself as a stable and benign neighbor.
But influence is a two-way street, especially between two countries whose shrine cities and capitals have been tied by trade and pilgrimage for centuries. About 1,500 Iranians go to Iraq on pilgrimage every day, Sheikh said. The Ghaie brothers went recently and were impressed to see the parade of Iraqi politicians visiting Sistani's modest house in Najaf -- voluntarily -- for advice.
Imagine the impact of this new democracy when the enemies inside Iraq are defeated and the example of a free and prospering Iraq is unleashed.
This is why the autocracies in the Sunni Arab world don't support Iraq. This is why Iran tries to defeat us in Iraq.
It is not a NeoCon pipe dream that a free Iraq can change the region. As a group, the Left is fond of extolling the power of individuals to change the world. How can they deny the possibilities of a free Iraq?
We must win this war and stay to help build a free and prosperous Iraq.
