While Iraqis, Americans and their allies expunge Ba'athist and foreign terrorists, criminals and other assorted lunatics from the country with an imperceptible slowness, men and women assemble for political debate and the formulation of state policy. As Zeyad tells it, this group's zeal has quickly overtaken its experience with parliamentarily governed free speech — no surprise, an experience forty-six years in disuse or altogether absent. But zeal it is, removing any doubt for the sincerity of Iraqi democrats:

[Delegate speaking to the conference]: "The 'list' is an act of dictatorship, this is unacceptable. I am going to--" [Someone taps at a microphone to attract attention and starts his own speech reading from 2 or 3 pages in his hand]

[First delegate's eyes almost pop out of his face in disbelief]:"Excuse me sir, it was my turn.." [interrupting delegate ignores him and continues to give his speech]

[he gets applause from the crowd]

First delegate starts shouting: "This is unbelievable. Sir? SIR?? It's my turn. Can't you understand?" [starts tapping frantically at his microphone]

Second delegate: "Yes, but they ignored my turn as well. I have been waiting for a long time." [continues to read]

President of the committee: "This is outrageous. Sir, sir. You.. yes you. Get seated please. Allow others a chance." [bangs on the table] "What are you doing on the stage??" [he almost screams at someone behind him] "People please if you have a suggestion or something, write it down on a paper.. We can't continue like this."

[commotion in the hall]

First delegate: "I don't believe this. SIR? Don't you have any decency at all?"

[Laughter in the hall followed by applause]

This situation continued for hours. People kept interrupting each other. Everyone wanted a chance to give fiery speeches.

As I said Wednesday, coarse but beautiful. Iraqi democracy isn't pretty. It isn't polite. It's full of life.