Writes Robert Higgs: "According to the New York Times (David E. Sanger, 'White House Scales Back Talk of Iraqi Progress,' April 28, 2007): 'In January, Mr. Bush characterized Mr. Maliki as an architect of the troop increase plan, even while telling visiting Congressional leaders that “I said to Maliki this has to work or you’re out,” according to two officials who were in the room.'
"So, tell me that story again. You know, the one about how the United States liberated the Iraqis and made it possible for them to establish a self-governing democracy. Please don't tell me that the Iraqi constitution is just a piece of paper."
