Missing In Iraq
From the news coverage and the giddiness flowing from the White House, you might guess that George W. Bush won the election this past Sunday in Iraq. But in Iraq the celebration may quickly subside as Iraqi citizens discover how much was left undetermined by the historic vote.
Frederick Barton, writing in The American Prospect addresses 5 major concerns that remain unresolved. Here is an extended excerpt:
The withdrawal of foreign troops. Iraqis should have a chance to vote on a referendum that would determine a departure date for foreign troops. The catch-22 evident in Iraq today -- a government unable to achieve legitimacy with U.S. forces in the country and unable to achieve security without our presence -- can only be resolved by the Iraqis themselves.
Individual political leaders. Running for office in Iraq is a dangerous occupation; candidates have been threatened and killed. As a result, only a party symbol and a candidate number are listed on ballots, not candidates’ names. Voting for stealth candidates undermines the idea of a free and fair election.
The ownership of oil. Much of Iraqis’ optimism about their future is based on the country’s projected oil wealth. Establishing a transparent model of ownership that directs the benefits of future oil production to widespread public needs could establish a foundation for renewing public hope. This topic, though, has been untouched by candidates in the run-up to the election.
Justice. Transitional justice is critical to any fledgling democracy. Consulting Iraqis on issues related to justice, human rights, and social reconstruction -- including Saddam Hussein’s future -- is vital to ending the culture of impunity that has existed in Iraq for the last three decades.
Power sharing. Those who have been excluded, left behind, or have chosen to remain outside of the political process will need to have a place in the future of Iraq. Sunnis and women in particular have been intimidated into staying away from Sunday’s elections. Their absence could impede any effort to build a true national constituency.
Copyright © 2005 by The American Prospect, Inc. Preferred Citation: Frederick D. Barton, "Election Day", The American Prospect Online, Jan 28, 2005.
Frederick Barton, writing in The American Prospect addresses 5 major concerns that remain unresolved. Here is an extended excerpt:
The withdrawal of foreign troops. Iraqis should have a chance to vote on a referendum that would determine a departure date for foreign troops. The catch-22 evident in Iraq today -- a government unable to achieve legitimacy with U.S. forces in the country and unable to achieve security without our presence -- can only be resolved by the Iraqis themselves.
Individual political leaders. Running for office in Iraq is a dangerous occupation; candidates have been threatened and killed. As a result, only a party symbol and a candidate number are listed on ballots, not candidates’ names. Voting for stealth candidates undermines the idea of a free and fair election.
The ownership of oil. Much of Iraqis’ optimism about their future is based on the country’s projected oil wealth. Establishing a transparent model of ownership that directs the benefits of future oil production to widespread public needs could establish a foundation for renewing public hope. This topic, though, has been untouched by candidates in the run-up to the election.
Justice. Transitional justice is critical to any fledgling democracy. Consulting Iraqis on issues related to justice, human rights, and social reconstruction -- including Saddam Hussein’s future -- is vital to ending the culture of impunity that has existed in Iraq for the last three decades.
Power sharing. Those who have been excluded, left behind, or have chosen to remain outside of the political process will need to have a place in the future of Iraq. Sunnis and women in particular have been intimidated into staying away from Sunday’s elections. Their absence could impede any effort to build a true national constituency.
Copyright © 2005 by The American Prospect, Inc. Preferred Citation: Frederick D. Barton, "Election Day", The American Prospect Online, Jan 28, 2005.
posted by Steve Trumbull | 2/01/2005
<< Home