It's difficult to know at this point what is meant by "Yes to Islam. No to America." Iraqis are understandably nervous about American power and its intentions. This show of Shi'ite power doesn't necessarily mean that most Iraqis favor an Islamic state.
The Shi'ites must be challenged with this question: "Do you wish to become the oppressors now? Is it not Islam, for there to be no compulsion in religion?"
It's possible that a nominally "Islamic state" in Iraq might still be capable of respecting human rights and democratic values, although these values are, on paper, contrary to Islam. There are ways to iron out the contradictions if you're clever.
One way that Iran has tried to repair the problems of Islamic rule in the modern era, is via the establisment of an "Expediency Council."
Islamic law allows a few loopholes in the name of expediency. For example, it's normally a capital crime for a Muslim to renounce his faith. However, if someone puts a gun to a Muslim's head and demands that he renounce Allah, he's off the hook, as it wouldn't be "expedient" do do otherwise under those circumstances.
Our best friends might be found among some of the more liberal Iranians.
