The tone is definitely not one of hopelessness or one accusing the United States administration of ineptitude. In fact, the administration has not been mentioned in the passage. Hence, option (A) can be eliminated. While the author does talk about a Civil War or a return to a dictatorial regime as being more probable than an acceptance of democracy, the author is clearly not overly critical of the United States in this regard and mentions it only as a matter-of-fact. The author further goes on to say that 'the good options may never have existed'. Therefore, option (C) is not likely to be the best option either. Option (D) can be easily ruled out as the author does not seem optimistic about a stable and prosperous Iraq and favors the withdrawal of the United States only to avert an even bigger disaster. Option (B) is strongly supported in the opening and concluding parts of the passage. The author's understanding of the situation in Iraq shows through the entire passage, wherein he accepts that while the Iraqi people would best be left alone, even this may not lead to the establishment of a democratic regime. Hence, option (B) is the best answer.