As the (WMD) pretext for the U.S. illegal invasion of Iraq faded into oblivion, the Bush Administration resorted to the common refrain of invoking the desire to promote democracy in this troubled region.  The Iraqi elections held in 2005 were trumpeted by W. and his legions has irrefutable evidence that American aims toward democracy in Iraq were genuine and for all intents and purposes working.  They warned us, of course, that this fledgling republic would take some time to develop and that democracy is not always easy.  Nonetheless, democracy was indeed taking root and the American people should be proud of this primary result of the supreme American crime of aggression.

Of course, if American history is any guide, democracy promotion only goes as far as the new regime's willingness to cooperate with and adhere to U.S. demands.  Disobedience has long been the greatest sin among U.S. clients.  In other words, let the people decide so long as they decide the correct way.  This has been America's preffered style of democracy throughout the world.  Iraq is no exception.

But that democracy in Iraq is failing and perhaps real self-determination is sprouting, much to the dismay of the Bush Administration.  The latest news concerning the US-Iraqi Status of Forces agreement seems to indicate that the Bush Administration's initial plans for a permanent military presence in Iraq are being undermined by the will of the Iraqi government and by extension the Iraqi people.  Bush has long insisted that a fair reward for our 'rescuing' the Iraqi people from tyranny is a permanent U.S. military and economic presence in Iraq.  But the latest agreement to come out of negotiations, even with watered-down U.S. demands and concessions, doesn't seem like it will go too far due to Shiite opposition. 

The Iraqi people have long wanted the United States out of Iraq.  Reliable polls taken since the fall of Hussein have clearly indicated as much.  And the Iraqi government's overall positions seems to reflect that opposition to the American presence.  That's not what the Bush Administration was hoping for.  The U.S. is used to getting what it wants when it intervenes in the affairs of another state.  As time goes on and a new administration enters the White House, it will be interesting to see if total withdrawal, military and economic, is what truly happens if the Iraqi people wish it to be.  Or, will a new (real or imagines) pretext for continued American intervention in the affairs of that soveriegn state surface? 

If we actually listen to the Iraqi government and people, giving up all rights of intervention and presence in Iraq while the country goes on its own self-chosen course, it would be a first for the United States.  And the preferred style of "democracy" will have been overthrown by a legitimate attempt at self-government.  Will we let that happen?  One can only wait and see.  But I hope so.  It's their country, and has been since before the invasion.