The Neo Con

Here's a letter that I sent to the Wall Street Journal:

Bret Stephens interprets Iraq's recent democratic election as proof that western modernity, with all of its marvels and freedoms, is dawning in that country ("Iraqis Embrace Democracy. Do We?" March 9).  And, of course, the Great Liberator who rescued Iraqis from barbarism's clutch is none other than George W. Bush.

Mr. Stephens is mistaken.  Democracy neither brings modernity nor is an essential element of it.  The fountainhead of the...