So, am I still the NRO sourpuss on Iraq?

I’m not sure that I ever was. All I’ve written on Iraq — and it hasn’t

been much, since there is way enough real expertise out there to make

armchair blogging on the topic seem a bit futile — has been to try to keep

the focus on the interests of **us**, the American people, and away from

concerns about the Iraqis, who must shift for themselves at last.

And while the election proceedings have been heartening, euphoria is surely

out of place. Elections don’t by themselves guarantee constitutional

government. I have just finished reviewing Philip Short’s new biography of

Pol Pot (review to appear in the NY Sun next week). The Cambodians had

elections a-plenty, but they ended up with the Khmer Rouge just the same.

I don’t wish the Iraqis any ill, though, and I am glad their election went

well. Now, let’s concentrate our thoughts on getting the heck out of there.