Fouad Ajami

I don't think countries in the region are ruled by constitutions.

I don't think countries in the region are ruled by constitutions.

Even [Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani] does not want a quote-unquote Islamic State, ... He wants a state that respects the place read more

Even [Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani] does not want a quote-unquote Islamic State, ... He wants a state that respects the place of Islam in public life.

a phoenix. His faith in Iraq and in himself has been incredible.

a phoenix. His faith in Iraq and in himself has been incredible.

[These others -- the overwhelming majority of Iraq's people -- have repeatedly given every indication of valuing their newfound freedom: read more

[These others -- the overwhelming majority of Iraq's people -- have repeatedly given every indication of valuing their newfound freedom: voting in two elections at the risk of their lives, preparing for a third, writing and ratifying a constitution granting more freedoms than exist in any country in the entire Arab Middle East.] The secret is out, ... There is something decent unfolding in Iraq. It's unfolding in the shadow of a terrible insurgency, but a society is finding its way to constitutional politics.

I think the violence will continue. Alas, we have learned not to believe that deliverance is around the corner. We read more

I think the violence will continue. Alas, we have learned not to believe that deliverance is around the corner. We are at the end of year three of this war and every hope that the violence has subside, has been betrayed.