who I tend to like (mainly because of his father, who I like a lot) said that the invasion of Iraq is on track because "everyone wanted a democracy and there now is a democracy in Iraq".

First, not everyone wants or wanted a democracy.
Second, it's nobody's business but the Iraquis what style of government rules there: how would we feel if the Iraquis dictated the UK should be a dictatorship and invaded to achieve it?
Thirdly, he did not cover the extraordinary situation that finally persuaded me Bush and Blair were barking mad; how could anyone invade a country without having plans in place for the next stage (except protecting the oil!)?

Surely oil was one of the most compelling reasons for the invasion of Iraq, despite so many claims to the contrary. And who now manages the Iraqi oil supply for a very substantial distribution percentage ? Could it possibly be Haliburton ? Why yes it is !! Is this the same Haliburton that obtained substantial contracts for the re-building of New Orleans ? What a surprise - yes it is !!

how anyone one (other than Hitler or Napoleon) coukld open a second front without stabilising the first one...

Currently our armed services are stretched between Afghanistan and Iraq... and both are hell... Ask the lads who fought the fronts for Hitler how well that works...

This isn't just not learning from History, it's sticking your fingers in your ears as singing 'I can't hear you' in a loud voice... the benighted offspring of Frank Oz' right arm...

and the plan going forward was 'and the Iraqis will be grateful as we open Macdonalds on every corner'... Obviously!

I too rather like Hilary (and met him and his parents Tony and Caroline - now sadly no longer with us - many times).

How is it that so many former left-wingers are now arch loony far right? For example - Peter Hain (once the student leader who was the scourge of any government in power), or look no further than John Reid (a former Communist Party member now vie-ing for the top job !!!)

Is it something in the water in Downing Street ... or is it more a case of "ditch the principles if you see an opportunity"?

If it's the latter (and we all know it is!) then people should remember that whatever they say now is problable the exact opposite of what they once said - and they can "switch" again (if an opportunity - such as sucking up to a US President? - arises).