It is pretty important to acknowledge the difference in viewpoints between the view of many if not most of US Americans about our impact (or should I say 'vision') for freedom in the world, mission statement if you will, and the perception of many of the rest of the world as to whether they appreciate it in the spirit with which we think we mean it.

As to the thread topic, if I understand it, concerning the election to be held in Iraq, here's a link to the latest Friedman column. I think he's bang on. You should be able to read it gratis:

Thomas Friedman on Iraq Election 13 January 05