Talking to young Iraqis such as Hassan, you sense how much they want to break the old mold � how much they want to be Arabs, with an Arab identity, but to build a modern state that actually focuses on tapping its people's talents and energies, rather than diverting them, and one that seeks to base their dignity on what they build, not on whom they fight. Root for them to succeed, for having such a state in the heart of the Arab world would be a very, very good thing.
Precisely why, now that we have gotten ourselves into this mess, we need to commit the rescources to ensure that Iraq is fully rebuilt, its economy strong, and its politics stable.