Iraqi Elections
POSTED BY: Geezer
UPDATED: Monday, January 31, 2005 18:34
VIEWED: 3923
PAGE 2 of 3
I agree with you completely. That still doesn't mean insurgents aren't coming from Iran. Iran has it's own problems in that respect and the borders are porous.
Personally I want to see Iraq hold elections (regardless of the outcome..as long as the Iraqis get to choose) to at least begin to bring some semblance of stability back to that region.
My only hope as things progress is that Diplomacy is used MUCH MORE often. The more I research this matter and review histories..the more I think that the sword can only get so far before even sane minded folks get pissed and rise up against the coalition.
PS.. Do you think Sistani will work with the US and vice versa in terms of rebuilding relations through diplomatic means, a peace? Also, do you think there is hope for a non-miltary resolution with Iran?
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Since the main brief of the folks elected in January will be to come up with a new constitution, the first clue as to which way things go may be how much of an Islamic or secular slant they include in it. Everyone talks about Sunni vs. Shi'a vs. Kurd, but I wonder if religious vs. secular is going to be more of an issue? Iran, or course, would like another Islamic Republic. The U.S. will be pushing for a more open, inclusive society.
Kind of funny, when you think about it. The Republican Administration, elected on the back of the Christian Fundamentalists, trying to establish a secular democracy in Iraq. Maybe we should arrange to invade ourselves, and then kick out our own homegrown Ayatollahs.
"Keep the Shiny side up"
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Quote:
Originally posted by Geezer:
Since the main brief of the folks elected in January will be to come up with a new constitution, the first clue as to which way things go may be how much of an Islamic or secular slant they include in it. Everyone talks about Sunni vs. Shi'a vs. Kurd, but I wonder if religious vs. secular is going to be more of an issue? Iran, or course, would like another Islamic Republic. The U.S. will be pushing for a more open, inclusive society.
Kind of funny, when you think about it. The Republican Administration, elected on the back of the Christian Fundamentalists, trying to establish a secular democracy in Iraq. Maybe we should arrange to invade ourselves, and then kick out our own homegrown Ayatollahs.
"Keep the Shiny side up"
Amen to that brother! (Pun intended)
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I said I wouldn't post until after holiday but here I am... too bad there isn't a rolleyes emoticon, I could really use one on myself! Oh wait, this will do... 
The problem with Iran is not the form of the elections or even the makeup of Parliament but those Islamic judges who can decide whether everything (laws, elections, press) is done acccording to Islamic law. They have interfered with every part of the political Iranian process including disqualifying candidates and shutting down newspapers. IMHO If this sort of religious court gets built into the Iraqi constitution, you'll know which way the government is heading.
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I am trying to become more familiar with Islam in general as well as Islamic law. I have 2 friends who are from Iran (brothers) Bobak and Shaheen. Their father was part of the Islamic Revolution in Iran and he is not allowed to return to Iran. In his words.."If I return, the Ayatollah will have me shot". Apparently the majority of his family is in exile or dead. According to him (and he seems to follow the persian news and revolutionary sites..since I can't read persian, I have to take his word for it) the majority of Iran's youth are for reform and mostly Pro-western..but the Iraq situation and "Iran/axis of evil" statement has made them leery. That's why we need to work strictly on a diplomatic approach rather then military if at all possible when dealing with Iran. The hearts are with us or so I am led to believe..now we need to prove we are with them.
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Damn straight!
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Well, here comes the election. I think that the fact it is happening at all is pretty significant. No doubt that there will be nay-sayers regardless of the result, but I consider it a good long step in the right direction.
Just the fact that the insurgents are trying so hard to disrupt it tells me that it's the right thing to do. Comments they have made about democracy being anti-Islam give a real good hint about where they're coming from.
So here's to the average Iraqi who's willing to risk his or her life just to show the world that they do want a better future for their country. May whoever's cranking up there keep them safe.
"Keep the Shiny side up"
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I'd like to point out that there have already been successful free democratic elections in Afghanistan that allowed the people to choose their own leaders.
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As much as I opposed this war... as much as I hate this administration and the neo-cons writing its policy and philosophy, today I have to take my hat off, to the president and the troop.
Democracy isn't perfect by any means, but everyhing else is so much worse.
This election is a beautiful thing.
I hope it serves to unite Iraq against the forces seeking to restore tyranny.
I hope this election unites them though ours has divided us.
I hope that their constitutional congress is wise and just, tolerant and brilliant.
I hope they can tie together their disparate Republic.
Let them be a light on the hill in a dark world.
Maybe they can remind us all what democracy is about.
Thus ends the spurt of optimism.
-Eli
(Bitter signature edited out for the occasion, cause sometimes it can matter)
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As much as I opposed this war... as much as I hate this administration and the neo-cons writing its policy and philosophy, today I have to take my hat off, to the president and the troop.
Democracy isn't perfect by any means, but everyhing else is so much worse.
This election is a beautiful thing.
I hope it serves to unite Iraq against the forces seeking to restore tyranny.
I hope this election unites them though ours has divided us.
I hope that their constitutional congress is wise and just, tolerant and brilliant.
I hope they can tie together their disparate Republic.
Let them be a light on the hill in a dark world.
Maybe they can remind us all what democracy is about.
Thus ends the spurt of optimism.
-Eli
(Bitter signature edited out for the occasion, cause sometimes it can matter)
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