Can Iraq set an example for the entire Arab world?

• Author: Friedman, Thomas L.
• Position: Opinion

There is much to criticize about how the war in Iraq has been conducted, and the outcome is still, uncertain. But those who suggest that the Iraqi election is just beanbag, and that all we're doing is making the war on terrorism worse as a result of Iraq, are speaking nonsense. There is no single action we could undertake anywhere in the world to reduce the terrorism threat that would have a bigger impact today than a decent outcome in Iraq. What Iraq is now embarking on is the first attempt--ever--by the citizens of a multiethnic, multireligious Arab state to draw up their own social, contract, their own constitution, for how they should share power...