We need to give the Iraqis a chance to build their own future. It should be in their hands. It must be in their hands. That is what democracy is all about. We can teach it, we can explain it, but they must want it enough to make it work for them.

In this quote, Barbara Boxer advocates for the importance of self-determination in the context of democracy. She emphasizes that the future of Iraq should ultimately be in the hands of the Iraqis themselves, suggesting that the people of Iraq must have the freedom and agency to shape their own political and social systems. While outside nations can provide support and guidance, Boxer believes that true democracy comes from within, and the people must be willing to make it work.

Boxer highlights the importance of giving Iraqis the opportunity to build their own future, rather than imposing a system upon them. She acknowledges that foreign countries, like the United States, can teach or explain democratic principles, but the desire and commitment to democracy must come from the people who will live under it. Democracy, according to Boxer, is not just about external intervention but about the will of the people to adopt and sustain democratic practices.

The quote also speaks to the broader principle of sovereignty and the need for nations to have control over their own political systems. Boxer argues that democracy cannot truly flourish unless the citizens of a nation are given the power and responsibility to govern themselves. It is a recognition that, while help can be offered, it is the internal will and effort of the people that makes democracy meaningful and lasting.

Barbara Boxer, a former U.S. Senator from California, made this statement during the U.S. involvement in Iraq. Her quote reflects her perspective on the importance of respecting the autonomy and agency of nations while promoting democratic ideals. It underscores her belief in empowering local populations to take ownership of their political future, rather than relying solely on external intervention.