Letter: Democracy in Iraq might not be possible

Friday, March 3, 2006 | 7:46 a.m.

No matter what the empty suits in the White House say about progress in Iraq, the violence and death toll there continues to escalate. How much more can the Iraqi people take before they give up on the dream of democracy? Living conditions in terms of clean water, available electricity and jobs are worse than pre-Saddam. Three years after we invaded that country, thinking that our troops would be greeted with open arms, we look back on nearly 2,300 U.S. casualties and a seriously unstabilized Middle East, rather than President Bush's vision of a McDonald's on every street corner.

Many military people see no hope of success in Iraq. As the situation deteriorates it is time to consider whether our troops may be at risk of being turned against and overrun by destitute Iraqi citizens and the feeble Iraqi army we have unsuccessfully tried to train.

With a history of changing sides in a heartbeat, there is reason to believe that this so-called army, coupled with insurgents, and Iraqi citizens fueled by radical Muslim religious leaders, could join forces and overthrow the splintered Iraqi government and put Saddam Hussein back in power.

It has become apparent to almost everyone that this is not a situation that will come to a good end. Without competent leadership and a solid plan to protect our troops, it may become a debacle. It has been apparent to date that we have neither.

Phil Ventura, Las Vegas