In an interesting summary of possible future paths in Iraq,
David Brooks says there is a disitinct undercurrent of possibility and hope.

"Can We Save Iraq? No, but the Iraqis Can"
By DAVID BROOKS

Published: January 11, 2005


E-mail: dabrooks@nytimes.com



Is there any way this can still work? Is there any plausible scenario for how Iraq can turn into a functioning society?

These are the questions I've been throwing at government officials, military analysts and other wise heads over the past few weeks. Their answers, both uplifting and depressing, suggest that if we are lucky, the near future in Iraq will come in three phases.