Reply #16: We have a responsibility

[Maurkov]

Having removed Iraq's government, we can't decree, "You are now a democracy!" and stand back. It would be the equivalent of telling the sheep and the wolves to work it out amongst themselves.

Iraq has an ethnically and religiously diverse population and lacks a democratic tradition. Without a pre-existing structure and ongoing support, their fledgling democracy will collapse. Even if, miraculously, the rule of law endures, direct democracy will quickly lead to a tyranny of the majority.

We have a responsibility to restore civilian infrastructure. That includes the easy stuff like water treatment plants and oil pipelines as well as the hard stuff, like a functioning government that protects minority rights.

If the majority of Iraqis choose to roll out the burkas or exterminate the Kurds, are you suggesting that it's none of our business?