The end of Saddam Hussein’s regime in April 2003 following the U.S.-led military invasion of Iraq left the country in a political state of flux and under temporary American occupation. It also raised the question of what kind of government Iraq could and should create to ultimately take authority from its American occupiers. American military occupation helped create democratic governments in Germany and Japan following World War II, but some observers have questioned whether such a feat can be repeated in Iraq. Two of their main concerns are the social legacy of Hussein’s rule and the influence of Islam.

During his more than two decades as ruler of Iraq, Hussein maintained tight control over his country; kept political power in the hands of family members and trusted subordinates; and jailed, tortured, and killed political opponents...