Jim Webb said something along the lines that there are the theorists and then there are the people who actually know how things work. This is a heart-breaking commentary on how much of a complete failure the theorists have been, and the awful consequences of that failure.
George Bush, on the capture of Saddam Hussein:
For the vast majority of Iraqi citizens who wish to live as free men and women, this event brings further assurance that the torture chambers and the secret police are gone forever.
The U.N., on freedom and democracy in Iraq:
The number of Iraqi civilians killed in July and August hit 6,599, a record-high number that is far greater than initial estimates suggested, the United Nations said Wednesday.
...
The report said torture was a major concern in Iraq and the bodies showed significant evidence of it.
"Bodies found at the Medico-legal Institute often bear signs of severe torture including acid-induced injuries and burns caused by chemical substances, missing skin, broken bones (back, hands and legs), missing eyes, missing teeth and wounds caused by power drills or nails," the report said.
Cross-posted at http://thepremise.com/