Between Iraq and a Hard Place

Someone on the BBC today noted that this weekend will be the world's first "secret election," since many of the Iraqi candidates are too scared to campaign, so nobody knows who's running.

I have a deep hope that the people of Iraq can take the mess their country is in and make something great out of it. They clearly must bring an end to the violence against each other. But I think another important step to success will be taking decisions out of the hands of Washington bigwigs and puppets. But those are the two powerful and organized players, neither of whom are uncomfortable with remaining in power. It will be an uphill battle. We can only hope for the best.