Iraq's Newfound Sovereignty

I was up early this morning to watch the second half of Brian Lamb's Booknotes interview with author Simon Sebag Montefiore. His book, Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar, promises to be a superb (and long) summer read. Since that program began at six and ended at seven, I didn't learn of the surprise transfer of sovereignty in Iraq until the story was fairly developed. Given Montefiore's remark that Saddam Hussein was a great admirer of Stalin who sought to emulate his cult of personality and even traveled to many of his dachas, it was fitting that the news from Baghdad was juxtaposed to such an insightful look at the bloodiest man who ever lived.

The early transfer to the Iraqis, designed to throw the terrorists off balance, was a brilliant stroke. After so much bloodshed and chaos, following the brutal regime of Saddam and his henchmen, the ice cold water of sudden sovereignty might be just what the Iraqi populace needs as a source of renewed determination and vigor. It's clear that much blood will be spilt in the coming weeks as the deadly combination of Iranian meddling, Saudi-educated terrorists, and Baathist holdouts continue their efforts to block the path to stability, much less to a more liberal polity. Pluralism is the principal enemy of radicals worldwide, and resisting it to the death is the only choice they have beyond flight to a neighboring country.

But I find myself hopeful and even proud this morning. Hopeful that progress will continue to be made (read Fred Hiatt's report in this morning's Washington Post) in the face of violence in Iraq and an opportunistic, cynical opposition at home. And proud of what America has done for Iraqis and ourselves.