Does anyone know anything about the Iraq Institute for Democracy? I'd like to promote them, but I'm leery. Especially having seen the way all the poor anti-war people who endorsed the "Not In Our Name" were so badly embarassed after it became clear who was behind that group. These Iraq folks look pretty legit, though...

In other news, it looks like the mullahs in neighboring Iran are finally going to release the radical reformist cleric supported by most of the young people who want democratic reform. Meanwhile, the Internation Herald Tribune reports that Iran is providing a haven for Saddam Hussein's enemies. Just as interesting, the Iranian news service is reporting on the activities of Democratic activists in Iraq, who are struggling but obviously making progress.

Those who want democracy in the Middle East are obviously making headway. How much longer are we going to deny these people the help they need--when it's so obviously in our best interests as well as theirs?