Monday, January 31, 2005
...by the people
BRITTANY: First off, I would like to say that I think this is a very interesting idea. I have always been intrigued by open conversations between relative strangers because it offers so many perspectives. I sense the most growth and strengthening of character in my life when engaged in active, intellectual discussion (not that I expect everything on here to be all stuffy and debate-ish, but I think you know what I mean). Having said that, I feel that I should post something. Victor suggested that perhaps I should relate the details of my family’s weekend adventures (moving in an ice storm), but I think that I will skip such and jump to another suggested topic: the Iraqi elections.
The elections in Iraq are something that I have been regarding with detached curiosity. It’s not that I’m uninterested in the fate of the country…or that I have no interest in politics - it is simply that I’m not entirely sure how to feel. This is supposedly what we have been working toward since day one, but now that it’s here, things still seem entirely too uncertain. Election turnouts have been declared a “victory for democracy”, but the ever-ready skeptic in me finds such claims a little over-the-top. It is certainly a step in the right direction, and I am overjoyed for individuals who are able to experience new freedoms. But militant groups are staunchly anti-democratic and therefore, will not respect the results of this democratic election. Violence and destruction will inevitably continue. There is potential for peace…and it is quite possible that the new (though insanely complex) elections will liberate the Iraqi people. One has to wonder, however, if it can truly be considered “democracy” with so much outside influence.
Unfortunately, there is still the arduous task of constitution writing, and I suppose there is nothing to do but wait. This has the appearance of an opportunity for global unity and cooperation (something that has been lacking), but how long will the cooperative feelings last? For the sake of the Iraqi people, and for the sake of our troops, I hope that things will successfully fall into place. I’m very interested in hearing others’ opinions on the issue. Have a great day! :)
¶ 4:11 PM
The elections in Iraq are something that I have been regarding with detached curiosity. It’s not that I’m uninterested in the fate of the country…or that I have no interest in politics - it is simply that I’m not entirely sure how to feel. This is supposedly what we have been working toward since day one, but now that it’s here, things still seem entirely too uncertain. Election turnouts have been declared a “victory for democracy”, but the ever-ready skeptic in me finds such claims a little over-the-top. It is certainly a step in the right direction, and I am overjoyed for individuals who are able to experience new freedoms. But militant groups are staunchly anti-democratic and therefore, will not respect the results of this democratic election. Violence and destruction will inevitably continue. There is potential for peace…and it is quite possible that the new (though insanely complex) elections will liberate the Iraqi people. One has to wonder, however, if it can truly be considered “democracy” with so much outside influence.
Unfortunately, there is still the arduous task of constitution writing, and I suppose there is nothing to do but wait. This has the appearance of an opportunity for global unity and cooperation (something that has been lacking), but how long will the cooperative feelings last? For the sake of the Iraqi people, and for the sake of our troops, I hope that things will successfully fall into place. I’m very interested in hearing others’ opinions on the issue. Have a great day! :)
¶ 4:11 PM
Comments:
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The problem with any sort of democracy in the middle east is that nobody likes each other over there. The current geopolitical lines that exist were courtesy the British in the colonial days. I'm sure you've met people who identify themselves as Persian, but Persia doesn't exist anymore. It's northern Iraq and Iran now.
That said, I'm definitely a pessimist when it comes to viewing the election. I predict that eventually Iraq will return to a theocracy, because that is what suits the culture of the Middle Eastern Muslim community. The mosque culture doesn't lend itself to democracy, freedom of thought implies that human will is superior to Allah's. Therefore, democracy is a crime against the Lord.
That's not to say that theocracies are inherently bad, supreme rule usually works out pretty well for peace purposes--provided there is always someone/thing to be the enemy or "wrong way."
But the US is no better. Theocratically speaking, we have much more in common with Iran than we do France or Britain. With our president a devout, born-again Christian he is just as susceptible to the influence of impartial religion as those in power in Tehran.
At any rate, I'm thinking that the democracy in place now will be like the new toy on Christmas; fun to play with at first, but easily broken.
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That said, I'm definitely a pessimist when it comes to viewing the election. I predict that eventually Iraq will return to a theocracy, because that is what suits the culture of the Middle Eastern Muslim community. The mosque culture doesn't lend itself to democracy, freedom of thought implies that human will is superior to Allah's. Therefore, democracy is a crime against the Lord.
That's not to say that theocracies are inherently bad, supreme rule usually works out pretty well for peace purposes--provided there is always someone/thing to be the enemy or "wrong way."
But the US is no better. Theocratically speaking, we have much more in common with Iran than we do France or Britain. With our president a devout, born-again Christian he is just as susceptible to the influence of impartial religion as those in power in Tehran.
At any rate, I'm thinking that the democracy in place now will be like the new toy on Christmas; fun to play with at first, but easily broken.
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