A Balanced Critique of the Iraqi Elections (521 hits)
Category: Politics -> IraqRating: 0.25 on 9 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Enter The Midnight (View user info) at 2005-01-29 20:54:18 EST
It's hours before the elections begin in Iraq and the polls open (11 PM EDT, 10 PM where I live). The past few days have been nothing but vivid images and videos of explosions, smoke billowing from the distance against the backdrop of blazing blue desert skies, and reports of police station bombings, American deaths, threats against voters, and a sharp increase in the overall fear in Iraq. With all of this mounting, fair elections seem incongruous with this region. It's almost as if democracy is impossible--indeed, for the first time, one of the terrorists (Zarquawi?) actually declared democracy "an enemy of Islam." Normally the terrorists hate America because of its imperialism, materialism or political policies. He proclaimed democracy as "a big lie." His reasoning? Democracy gives freedom of religion, which Allah will not allow, since Islam is the one true religion in their eyes.
Despite all of the fear, apparently Iraqis are hopeful. Many interviewed by the media are going to vote despite the threats, fears, and boycotts. Most of them don't know any of the candidates except the big-name ones, like Allawi and the prime minister, or members of the Governing Council or current interim government. This will most likely result in the victory of several of the interim government officials in the transitional government. Unfortunately, those results could undermine the legitimacy of the elections; simply because the victory of interim government officials, who are backed by America, could be seen as American rigging of the election or fraud by the influential, well-known candidates. However, if enough Iraqis vote, this issue may become irrelevant, or perhaps the well-known candidates won't win. Right now, it is impossible to tell.
Another problem, the obvious one, is terrorism. Afghanistan was fortunate in that the threatened bloodshed never occurred. I don't think Iraq will be so lucky, though it might be with the heightened security. Chances are, however, we will see many bombings, attempted bombings, and shootings occur on election day in Iraq. These terrorists will indeed stop at nothing to destroy American attempts at success, and use any method that they can think of. Perhaps the Iraqis will vote despite all of this, and vote in large numbers, and maybe our military will do what is necessary to crush insurgents tomorrow.
This election is no longer about Bush and his war policies. Those were decided on our election day, to the dismay of 49% of America, but he is now president for four more years. That's done. The focus is now on Iraq and its need for not just freedom, but a sense of stability, confidence and security that it has not had since March 2003. These elections are essential to the morale of Iraqis.
Honestly, not much will probably change after the elections as far as the insurgency goes. There was no change June 30, 2004 when we handed control over to the interim government. The changeover in power has not ceased the violence. It is just who is overseeing the lack of security. To crush the insurgency, our military needs more equipment, better-organized convoys and the ability to raze and bomb suspected military hide-outs without worrying about what the media thinks. We also need to get Iraqi forces trained, and fast--forces that won't run from a fight. Bush has clearly stated we are not pulling out anytime immediately after these elections, but it's time to manage the forces correctly, by letting those whose tours of duty is up come home and replacing them with fresh troops who have enough armor.
What will change after the elections, however, is who is in power and who the Iraqis can put their confidence in to lead their country. Instead of being governed by a foreign-appointed council or interim government, they will have chosen who governs them, and maybe their first taste of freedom will be sweeter than the bitter stings of insurgency and the sour taste of dictatorship.
User Reviews
Submitted by Sherman (user info) at 2005-02-24 01:25:31 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
No Comment
Submitted by williamson (user info) at 2005-02-15 02:12:42 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
No Comment
Submitted by rad1101 (user info) at 2005-01-30 04:34:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Mitchapalooza (user info) at 2005-01-29 21:03:19 (#)
Ranking: 2
I have a feeling Iraqis in Florida will mistakenly end up voting for Viktor Yushchenko.
Fucking Floridians.
Submitted by TheMidnight12AM (user info) at 2005-01-29 21:45:04 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Robert, you have truly revealed naivety about my opinions. If you had read any of my earlier posts or knew me at all, you'd realize I am a stark conservative and a Bush supporter. This obviously is based partially on the media, since I'm in America, not in Iraq, but it is an analysis of the views presented and the possible situations, not a political propoganda piece. Go masturdebate and get your skills up before you take on someone who actually knows what they're talking about.
Submitted by Robert_of_Duluth (user info) at 2005-01-29 21:10:23 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
You call this a balanced critique despite all of your opinions being based on the media. If you went there, conducted a valid poll, toured the country, and then wrote a balanced critique, I would accept that. Then you go on to say that Bush's war policies are no longer an issue, to the dismay of 49% of America, it was less than that my friend, go to CNN if you don't believe me. Even if it was, people like you never take into account the 51% that is against your side. Its always suffering for you people.
Submitted by Jack_McCallum (user info) at 2005-01-29 21:08:26 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Better to have been given the chance to rule themselves and possibly fail than never have the chance at all.
Submitted by ILL34GL3 (user info) at 2005-01-29 21:07:29 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Iraqis don't care about democracy. It's not something they've fought and spilled blood for. It is an ideal being imposed on them by a western nation. Our ways are not their ways. Plus, unlike Americans, they are probably savvy enough to understand that the elections are rigged.
Submitted by Mitchapalooza (user info) at 2005-01-29 21:03:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I have a feeling Iraqis in Florida will mistakenly end up voting for Viktor Yushchenko.
Fucking Floridians.
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2005-01-29 20:56:23 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
LIGHTNING BOLT