WASHINGTON -- For some, the Iraq constitution-writing process has called to mind the founding of America or other democracies. But whether the Iraqi doc ument -- for which the original Aug. 15 deadline has been extended a week -- will deliver liberty remains tragically uncertain.
The failure of Washington to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq caused the Bush administration to fasten on democracy promotion as its justification for war. If coercive nation-building can succeed anywhere, it should be in Iraq -- liberated and occupied by U.S. and allied troops.
Elections for a transitional government began the process. Alas, Washington's candidate, Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, developed no serious popular following.