Iraq: Democracy not so important

Disillusion with Iraq's elected leaders has forced President George W Bush's senior advisers to contemplate a future without democracy - a goal that was at the heart of the rationale for the US-led invasion.

Frontline generals in Iraq spoke openly yesterday of the need to have a government that could function and guarantee security above all else, including democratic legitimacy.

Brig Gen John Bednarek, who commands forces in Diyala province, told CNN that "democratic institutions are not necessarily the way ahead in the long-term future".

Maj Gen Benjamin Mixon, the commander of Task Force Lightning, which has played a central role in the new "surge" strategy, said: "That is the $50,000 question - what will this government look like? Will it be a democracy? Will it not?" Link