WSJ to Bush: Why Not?

The Wall Street Journal now joins the chorus of those who want direct elections in Iraq.

"We've been inclined to give the Administration the benefit of the doubt on this. But the more we've listened, the more we haven't heard a good answer to the question, Why not elections? The U.S. is now in the anomalous position of having liberated Iraq in the name of democracy but opposing elections. This is adding to Iraqi mistrust of American motives and may lead to more trouble down the road."

Generally the Wall Street Journal has been cautious in its criticism of the administration's handling of Iraq. The paper did support the war. But the editorial makes the practical point that even if the caucuses result in moderate leaders taking office, their decisions would be viewed as illegitimate and increase the likelihood for a more extreme group to take hold.