The recent Iraqi election offers some hope that democracy may be taking root in Iraq. However, at least three facts cast some substantial doubt on that assessment.
First, the election sparked considerable allegations of violence and numerous allegations of fraud. Democracy does not, indeed cannot, flourish without the rule of law. The widespread violence and fraud both suggest that Iraq has not yet successfully instituted the rule of law.
Second, at least some participation in the election appears motivated primarily by a desire to expedite the departure of U.S. armed forces from Iraq. For example, the radical Shiite cleric, Moqtada al Sadr urged Sadrists to vote for that reason (Anthony Shadid, “Followers of Sadr Emerge Stronger After Iraq Elections,” New York Times, March 16, 2010). Sadr has twice engaged in open conflict with U.S. forces during the U.S. occupation of Iraq. His party’s increased strength and their religious ties to Iran do not bode well for democracy or stability in Iraq after the U.S. withdraws its armed forces.
Third, the sharp fault lines in Iraqi society between Arab Sunni, Arab Shiite, and Kurd remain largely unchanged after almost seven years of American occupation (Anthony Shadid, “Iraq Election Results Hint of Political Shift,” New York Times, March 15, 2010). Expecting that an unwelcome occupier change a centuries old culture, with its deeply entrenched and highly emotional divides in the matter of a few years is foolish.
Meanwhile, the death toll of U.S. military personnel killed in Iraq continues to grow, reaching 4500 today. The time has come to end carnage of Americans and Iraqis that achieves nothing for country or God. War is never good, and at best the less of two evils. War that inherently cannot advance the cause of peace is immoral.
1 comments:
What do we expect? Seldom do we do good when interfering with others businesses, culture or political influences.
We should look inward for the rule of law and democracy. It is hard to say we abide by the rules or the law.
For our involvement in Iraq or anywhere else, we proudly say we support our troops; but in reality we tie their hands and give them unreasonable challenges. We provide them with inadequate equipment as we buy expensive tools to impress the public.
I have asked many people how much they would support our wars if their kids were involuntarily drafted. Many have mumbled the answer or just would not answer. It left no doubt as to what they thought.
As an example of our not understanding what is going on in Afghanistan, I saw a video that makes me feel we are back in Vietnam and the free fire zones. It has a group of nine village men sitting around a fire, in their village at night, and several had rifles with them. We used a hellfire missile, $60,000 or more, and 30mm cannon fire to kill them. The men having guns is not a reason to kill people who might have been having an innocent gathering. Were they warriors or not? This is how we make many mistakes in a war we can not win where only one side has a uniform.
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