Here is a thoughtful, if pessimistic, take on why the Arab world, which distrusts and dislikes Saddam, still won’t embrace America’s invasion of Iraq. No doubt, this piece paints a good picture of our public relations problem in the Arab world. Even so, I’m not sure we ever expected cheers of support from non-Iraqi Arabs. Paralysis, foreboding, and grudging acquiescence on the Arab street is, at this point, a positive accomplishment. The real question is what will come after the war. Nothing in this piece says that a changed Arab world is impossible. But if change does come, it won’t be easy or quick. Transforming the Arab world will take years–decades–of diligent effort, with many a problem along the way. Whether we will, can, or should take that road, or whether, after some initial effort, we ultimately settle for a friendly and pliable Iraqi autocracy, is still an open question.