The Times They Are . . .Stuck?

I caught part of Angels in America last night. It is a reminder, a magnificent one, that the dismal times, the ones in which progress seems stuck and mired and all that is ugly is ascendant, can bust open suddenly into something legitimately hopeful and truly beautiful.

Certainly the times seem dismal right now. Pakistan is still buried in its Earthquake with relief still only just arriving in some areas. Although the scale of horror is much smaller, Hurricane Wilma moves north and breaks records for strength.

If anyone needed any more proof that the Republican party leadership—and much of its rank and file--is made up of callous ____s (I'll let you fill in the blank), their proposed reduction of aid to the poor to aid current hurricane victims is conclusive. That the majority of the country seems oblivious does not help.

So where can hope bust out suddenly? I wish I knew, but it is always possible to be surprised. This week, at least, the news from Iraq seems legitimately positive. The proposed Constitution has almost certainly been approved. While there are legitimate concerns about this process, its passage is, on the whole, a major step toward Iraqis regaining some real power over their country.

Even better, Saddam is going on trial. Anne Applebaum has a useful editorial about that process. Her central point: if the trial documents clearly his crimes against all of his people, however defined, it will be a positive force in a new Iraq.

I have been more and more critical of our involvement in Iraq and, in particular, the Administration’s handling of the occupation. This could still be lost. The insurgents remain strong; the divisions, both religious and tribal, remain difficult; the possible regional blowback—particularly if Iraq partially disintegrates—remains frightening.

But not all the evidence is in my corner. And I do hope that this week is a sign that I am wrong in my fears.