More From The Land Of Disappointment:Iraq

Today came more disappointing news from Iraq, where a constitution could not be decided on. In reality, the government was supposed to disolve and new election was supposed to be held if today's dealine could not be reached.

In a land of disappointment, with a poor population of nearly the size of Canada, constant terrorism, 70% unemployment, 2 million in Baghdad without running water, many with only 3 or more hours a day of electricity, an armed militia that replaced Baghdad's mayor last week in a coup installing one of their own members as mayor, and other constant reminders of the instability of this awful country, it was no great wonder that another disappointment, such as the failure to meet the constitution deadline.

There is an old joke. A young fellow doesn't want to get out of bed and go to church. His mother argues with him. "I want you to get out of bed and go to church". Give me two good reasons, mother", the young fellow retorted. The mother replied, "Well, for one, I'm your mother. And second you're the pastor".

In a similar way, the U.S. tried to push the Iraqi government to get the work done, almost like a parent trying to get a child to do homework, or the joke about the young pastor not wanting to get out of bed. But to little avail.

With an ineffective government in Iraq that achieves little for the average Iraqi, cannot complete a constitution, is ineffective in organizing a military or a police force, the U.S. can see itself stuck in Iraq for a very long time.

It is a typical disappointing day in Iraq.