Fortunately, Bush’s power is declining. However, in the last five years we have learned how destabilizing and dangerous the American presidency can be when democratic institutions stop doing their job to countervail White Housecou power.

We cannot put all the blame on Bush’s shoulders. That would be too easy for America's institutions. Congress approved the war with votes from many democratic legislators. Congress approved skyrocketing war expenditures.

A considerable part of America's press supported Bush’s war, despite the fact reasonable doubt remained about Saddam Hussein’s presumed stockpiling of weapons of mass destruction.

American institutions failed when they did not stop the invasion of Iraq even after the United Nations Security Council had disapproved of the action.

Which country is the most dangerous in the world? One with the economic clout, military power, and nuclear weaponry as the United States is a serious candidate. Add to this a president who thinks he has no ethical or political limits, who professes a with-me-or-against-me ideology, and who mixes faith and politics and you might well have the winner. If beyond all that, this country’s strong and democratic institutions give up its checks and balance duty, the world is in danger.

Fortunately, the moment of highest risk has passed. American institutions woke up from their five year slumber and started working effectively to avoid new misadventures, including action against Iran. At least the world hopes so.