Democracy in Iraq

I'm kind of shocked to read Bush being given credit for democracy blooming in Iraq, now that they are somewhat successfully holding an election. I think whatever is happening there, 7 years after we invaded, is more despite Bush rather than because of him.

Watch No End in Sight for a pretty clear examination of all the missteps during the first year after we invaded.

Also, read Thomas Friedman's column today, where he points out that an election does not equal democracy (though he gives Bush credit for his "vision"). There was an election in Iraq in 2005 and things did not miraculously stabilize there.

I supposed the most offensive part of this assertion is that establishing democracy in Iraq was like the 4th or 5th reason given for the invasion, after 9-11 and WMDs, etc. So I find it almost laughable that we accept that democracy was Bush's "vision" all along.