Defense Secretary Rumsfeld lays out the prerequisites for an acceptably democratic Iraq in the Wall Street Journal. The crux of his leaders' vision:

Iraqis have an historic opportunity to build a free and civil society. The road ahead will be difficult, but the coalition is committed to helping them succeed. As Iraqis take hold of their country, develop the institutions of self-government, and reclaim their place as responsible members of the international community, the world will have a new model for a successful transition from tyranny to self-reliance - and a new ally in the global war on terror and the struggle for freedom and moderation in the Muslim world.

Although democratization processes - post-World War II and the present - have come under a joint (read: repeatedly contested) jurisdiction between State and Defense, it isn't absurd to consider the value of a department solely dedicated to the establishment of self-government. If America accepts its charge as vanguard of freedom and liberator of all oppressed peoples, such permanence is logical. When a dictator's turn comes, State would play nice, Defense will play for keeps - and a Department of Reconstitution or some such would install a stable, consensual government.