'Hidden costs raise' US war price

"Rumsfeld insisted on adjustable rate financing," says Sec. Def. Robert Gates

Quagmire

So they enter the fray with high hopes, a PR blitz, a good track record, and some initial success, only to be dragged into an unwinnable situation in which mortal enemies are taking advantage of their weaknesses and absolute defeat is assured, despite the protests of the partisan zealots.

The current situation in Iraq or the 2006 Steelers?

Iraqi Elections

So despite initial pessimism, the Iraqi elections seem to be going OK or at least better than expected. Great! Rah! Rah! Rah! for Democracy.

Some rhetorical questions:

What would happen if, say, a group like the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq gains a strong voice in the assembly? Would their antipathy for the US and their affinity for Iran make our nacent democracy our enemy? Can we walk away, or are we going to have to "enforce correct democracy" on these people.

What if democracy unleashes fractionous passions of the populace, making our 30-day scuffle in Florida look like a slap-fight between quadraplegic mimes. "Hanging chads" may be the least of our worries.

What about the Kurds? Are they willing to stay in the government, or are they going to make a break for it, destabilizing Turkey in the process.

Just some lingering pessimism.