1. Can democracy work in the Middle East? Focus: Iraq

2. “A liberated Iraq can show the power of freedom to transform that vital region by bringing hope and progress into the lives of millions.” George W. Bush, US President, February 2003

3. “Bush, far from being remembered for establishing democracy in Iraq, will most likely be remembered as the man who brought ayatollahs’ rule to Iraq.” Firas Al-Atraqchi, Aljazeera English News, March 2006

4. Democracy cannot work in Iraq There is no true democracy in Iraq Iraq is not suited to democracy Democracy is equated with colonialism

5. Democracy can and must work in Iraq Iraqi society ideal for democracy Relative peace of Kurdish north Too late to ‘cut and run’

6. Conclusion One would hope so However, force is not effective Winston Churchill, Iron Curtain speech 1946