BBC NEWS

The Iraqi “leaders” will learn that being adamant wins you no friends. It may be quite stupid to try and hold elections when they are unlikely to take place without huge violence. Unfortunately Mr. Bush did not think beyond Sadam’s killing or capture, except for the passing thought, yes, that oil might be handy. The “leaders” of Iraq would be much better playing hardball with Mr. Bush right now instead of forging ahead with an arbitrary and damaging timetable dictated by pre-election America. They will not gain or keep power through being sheep. But then sheep are best not handed power after all.