Bush’s news conferen…

Bush’s news conference is on now. He’s having to counter media (and Democrat) impressions, for starters. The vast majority of Iraq is doing well, in spite of opposition in specific areas. It still isn’t a quagmire.

He’s right that if we didn’t turn over sovereignty on June 30th, many would question our intentions and it would, as I’ve said before, embolden the opposition. And in keeping that date, it shows confidence in the Iraqi people, and it instills it in them as well, seeing that we trust them to care for this republic. I imagine we’ll still have troops there for some time to come, but Iraq will be ruled by Iraqis. Setting up a U.S. embassy and appointing an ambassador will do that as well.

And if some folks balk at the idea that Iraq won’t complete the full transition until December of next year, recall that this is more than just the replacement of one oppressive institution with one built on freedom. It’s also the changing of the minds of Iraqis. They need to learn to trust their government, and not fear retribution if they have a disagreement. They need to learn that those disagreements should not be handled with arms, but with votes. A whole generation has grown up with ideas and fears that have to be unlearned. December 2005, itself, will be just the start.

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