If the reaction of these people was an accurate indicator of how other Iraqis are or will be reacting to Operation Iraqi Freedom, the coming mission to democratize and remake Iraq will face severe challenges.
Now that the war is under way and the damage is done the Bush administration's alleged desire to free the repressed citizens of Iraq and introduce them to democracy and liberty ought to be supported and encouraged, and the White House's commitment to this supposed war aim closely monitored. George Bush quoted "This nation never conquers, but we liberate". Did he forget the Mexican War, the Spanish-American War, the defeat of Native Americans and other past glories, including the invasions of Nicaragua, Honduras, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, (when looking at this lets all ask how did this man get voted into office). How does Bush plan to seed Iraq with democracy? He and his administration have not offered any specific plans. It may well be because they do not truly know. .
Before Operation Democracy can kick off, the war has to be won and the country secured. These goals remain unattained. It seems at the moment that if the war is indeed won in the conventional sense, there still may be resistance throughout the country to an occupying force. If that opposition is widespread and persistent, it could soak up attention and resources that might otherwise be directed toward rebuilding Iraq. Lingering resistance could also produce a security situation not conducive to democracy building. If military officials in the field have to deal with an ongoing rebellion it will be even more difficult for them to create basic democratic structures. Judith Kipper, director of the Middle East Forum, has suggested that if Saddam Hussein survives the US attack, he might reemerge to lead an underground guerrilla force that fights the US occupation. To use Vietnam terminology, Iraq has to be calmed before it can be saved.