IRAQ

Progressiv: Rigging Iraq's Elections

Ever since Bush was unable to unearth a single weapon of mass destruction in Iraq, he has shifted propaganda gears and talked more about how U.S. troops are installing democracy in Iraq.

But the truth of the matter is, Bush doesn't want any old democracy in Iraq.

He only wants a so-called democracy if he can pick the head of the new government .

That's why he's resisting the call from Iraq's leading Shiite cleric to hold popular elections in June.

The Bush Administration fears that a direct election would bring a Shiite to power whom Washington might not be able to push around. That leader could align with Iran, or renationalize industries, or order the U.S. troops out. And Bush wants none of that.