Another optimistic editorial, this time in the NY Times, details the intellectual life and civil society that flourished in Iraq before the Baathist thugs took control. The author, director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Rutgers University, addresses the general skepticism towards Iraq's ability to build a democratic society. "Such arguments, then and now, ignore the traditions of civil society and cultural pluralism that existed before the Baath Party took power in 1968 and then remained dormant during 35 years of repression. Those traditions can be revived to help Iraq thrive and make a transition to democracy. Because the Baath Party's chauvinistic pan-Arabism and totalitarianism has for decades defined Iraq's image to the world, many foreigners assume that a Western-style civil society never existed there. From the modern state's founding in 1921, when Britain imposed the Hashemite monarchy, Iraq (despite the absence of democracy) built a rich and varied society of ethnic inclusiveness, artistic freedom and civic involvement."

The article's only fault is the ommission of Abdul-Karim Kassem's claims and threats against Kuwait in the early 60's. Otherwise, it's a great read.