While the violence goes on in Iraq — indeed escalates in some areas — important work on the democracy-building front goes forward.

It is critical at this point that the United States not become too impatient, too authoritarian in its expectations of what should happen and when it should happen. Our own process of democracy-building and cementing of the American Constitution was not an easy or always pretty thing.

Our Constitution has held up well over the years. But some of its most important provisions, such as equal rights for women and for people of color, were not recognized until many years after it was written.

Given our deep investment in Iraq, underscored by the presence of U.S. troops there, it's understandable that many would like Iraq to proceed more swiftly, but it is not particularly fair to expect that.

The key task facing Iraq today is bringing all factions to the table in producing a draft constitution. A significant advance on that front occurred a few days ago when Sunni leaders announced they will return to the process.

It is absolutely imperative that a way be found to maintain Sunni cooperation. Without it, Iraq ends up with a constitution that large portions of the country may simply choose to ignore.

The price of such cooperation, along with a pledge to participate in the December elections, will undoubtedly be a compromise on issues the United States would prefer to be decided directly.

So be it. This must be a constitution the people of Iraq can accept, rather than one simply acceptable to American authorities.

Iraqis are not unfamiliar with creating and living under forward-looking constitutions. Writing in The New York Times recently, Jordan's Prince Hassan bin Talal points out that Iraq has long had one of the most progressive political systems in the Middle East.

In 1925, for instance, King Faisal I pulled together a constitution that recognized human rights, religious tolerance and a separation of powers. All citizens had an equal stake in nation-building.

Hassan notes that this constitution can easily be seen to build on the Charter of Medina instituted by the Prophet Muhammad in AD 622, which insisted on a pluralistic society in which people of all religions and backgrounds would have a role in nation-building.

So there is plenty of history there for Iraqis to get this right. But it must be on their own timetable and according to their own standards.

Democracy cannot be imposed; it must be allowed to develop.