| #1 I am not so pessimistic--I see an evolution from the superb Bremer policies into the next phase of what Iraq needs. Bremer set up a "top down" economy, creating a grand engine to power Iraq in the future. Things such as triple-A banking, financial and stock markets, with a dominant currency to insure that Iraq can be a powerhouse in the future. But now these models need to seek a lower level in the economy. Mid-sized and small business, decentralization into federalism and regional authority, the reorganization of government to also serve the people, not just the economy. In this way, they are evolving from idealism to realism on the ground. And this is inherently a more difficult, longer process, and yet one that both connects the government to the people, and turns the people into a nation. |