The problem with this sad state of affairs caused by the Bush administration in the US, is the Iraqi people barely figure into the debate, even within the peace movement. No one is talking, after all, how to get rid of the single party regime in Iraq. With over 3.5 million Iraqis now living in exile, it would certainly help if the Iraqi dissenters, were being listened to, but they aren't. Not by the general American public, the Bush administration, or most leftist activists involved in the anti-war movement right now. Because to discuss it would divide the movement itself, just as it did during Gulf War I.

Still, it is tremendously encouraging, the numbers that are coming out to protest. But I for one suffer no illusions about the effect it is going to have on administration policies, at least in the short term. A year from now, the numbers of people the Left can get in the streets will matter much more. But IMO, right now no tens or hundreds of thousands of people marching, demonstrating, and rallying against the war will stop Bush from attacking Iraq. Not unless the current regime falls or goes into exile.