Croppy, this is something I've never quite figured out about the UK. To an outsider it really seems to function like a democracy the Queen doesn't have any active input into govt policy and I rarely hear about the House of Lords. So, although, it is constitutional monarchy, it seems closer to a democracy. Even the arguments for a republic that I've heard have focussed on the financial side of supporting a monarchy. Obviously, I have very very little knowledge of how it all works. And it's hard to find a basic explanation on the web (eg, here's what the House of Commons is and does, here's what the House of Lords is and does...). This seriously isn't meant as a wind up and it's unrelated to the war.. just something my husband and I talk about from time to time. We're in Switzerland now more of a direct democracy with referendums held constantly. It's interesting, although somewhat difficult to figure out, especially as my German isn't good enough to know all the issues.
My feeling now about the war is that it's all started so let's begin preparing for the outcome. Iraq, no matter what, will need help and support after the war. Especially, I think, if the worst happens and Saddam is not removed. There are strong arguments that the 12 years of sanctions have hurt the Iraqi people incredibly. The idea that sanctions would still be kept in place if we are unsuccessful in that one aim is horrific to me. I'm not sure where the UN, US and UK stand on this; it's just been something I've been thinking about.
My cynical view is that President Bush has no intention of following through in rebuilding Iraq. In his proposed 2004 budget, he didn't even ask for any humanitarian or relief funds for Afghanistan (although he did ask for money for them elsewhere, no explicit humanitarian and relief aid was requested). Luckily Congress included it in the final budget.