Where do they go from here?
Published February 01, 2005
Victory is heralded worldwide for the Iraqi people as they cast their votes, Sunday, for new leadership, which brings me to this point: I've read many political blogs written by diehard party liners, who constantly attack each other's political parties. These bloggers get very emotional and reading them is sometimes a turn-off. Stop with the distinction between "red" and "blue" states; right and wrong policies.
Iraq's election was a victory as well for the United States and all Americans who treasure their freedom. In this instance, we are all united , "One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for All." Let's put down the swords for a while and realize that this is an opportunity for us to learn and study the birth and growth of a new government.
In spite of victory, many uncertainties remain, and the question I pose is, will the new government evolve into an Islamic Republic or will the frail seed of democracy survive and grow and claim the hearts of the Iraqi people?
A glimpse into the future may reveal neighboring Iran having influence within the new government, giving rise to another concern for the President, a potential reality, and if this is the case, foreign policy will shift to Iran (as it already has), an historically anti-America country that breeds terrorists and insurgent groups, creating new fodder for the American people and the politicians at home. Former policies that were clear-cut will now stimulate complications, and although an election was held, the war is still far from over, bringing optimistic victory, yet constrained and cautious.
How far is the United States willing to go if its objective is to bring democracy to the Middle East; will this mean another war, and will the American people support it? Iraq and Iran are intrinsically connected and to cut the umbilical cord will be difficult. This concern has validity simply because the Islamic religion is pervasive in the daily lives of the Iraqi people. The world watches and waits.
- Where do they go from here?
- Published: February 01, 2005
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- Section: Politics
- Filed Under: Books: Nonfiction, Books: Politics and Affairs
- Writer: Sapere Aude
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Aaman,
I'm just thinking that President Bush's agenda was to bring Democracy to the Iraqi people. Key word being Democracy. I say, in time, the Iraqi people will decide their destiny. Many are saying that Iraq is now a democratic country because of the recent election. I disagree. Certainly, it's a beginning, but even a new toy is foreign to a child, and even then, it might not fly. Nothing wrong with an Islamic Republic, but again, is this what Bush and his policy advisors want? I think not.
Dude, this isn't an academic exercise. I think people are dying over there. Hopefully less now, but I don't believe anyone's "promises" when they just don't know.
Promises? In Iraq? Were promises made? Presiden Bush? Yes.
No, death is not academic, just another body, but people wouldn't know until it's one of their own.
(Temple, no offense, but about half the time, I think about half your sentences are missing and/or incomplete.
ie. ~Wha?)
re: Iraq's future -
Frankly, I'm not convinced the place can run effectively without some kickass dictator in charge. This 'government' we gave "birth" to might turn out to be a spoiled hellion with ADD.
We'll see.
This 'government' we gave "birth" to might turn out to be a spoiled hellion with ADD.
Wait, are you talking about the one in Iraq or the one in the U.S.?
The people who are afraid that Iran may have undue influence in Iraq are just ignorant about the relations between the two countries. Despite the Shiite government in Iran, Iraqis hate Iran and hate its government, including Iraqi Shiites. They also have a strong secularist tradition, so while they might develop a home-grown government which has some theocratic tendancies it will almost certainly be more moderate than what you find in Iran and it will likely do everything it can to distance itself from Iran politically. The two countries are natural rivals and enemies and that trumps religion and ideology.
Dave
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Your post indicates it would be wrong for Iraq to be an 'Islamic Republic' or Islamic for that matter. Although examples may be sparse, democracy and Islam are not contradictory.
The Sunni form of Islam, for that matter, is founded on public consensus as the means for social governance, the essence of democracy. It is very likely that the form of Islamic government chosen by Iraq, were it to come to that, will represent the Shia majority, more attuned to diktat - like in Iran. Your post is valid here - but again, to not allow democracy to flower from within might mean it would be shortlived.