Sistani obviously suvived Saddam somehow. Saddam certainly had a reputation of building grand mosques and throwing occasional bones to the Ayatollahs. Everyone here seems to think that Sistani is more democratic than anyone, especially by calling for early elections. The truth of it is that elections are worthless in a situation of ongoing violence. There is no Iraqi army, or governmental structure that can be instructed or led to provide calm and security, so how much impact a freely elected open govenment could hav is dubious at this point. There is no constitution, and very fractured political parties.
Somehow people equate democracy with elections. For elections to be meaningful and effective however a foundation must be in place to manage the country. The first US Constitution actually failed, and the real elections were leaders from each region debating the constitution and the future structure of the government.
Saddam had elections too. 99 percent voted for him. For future elections to be anything more than this sham, there must be a future structure in place. Frankly I would vote for dividing the country into three semi-autonomous regions, and screw the Turks. Sistani has to be viewed as a puppet master with his own interests at heart.
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*Originally posted by Ohioguy: *
Somehow people equate democracy with elections. For elections to be meaningful and effective however a foundation must be in place to manage the country. The first US Constitution actually failed, and the real elections were leaders from each region debating the constitution and the future structure of the government.
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agreed, we have elected people in Pakistan before, but did not have democracy..
The UN coming in to decide when elections should be held is a good step and one that Sistani has agreed to. A shift of power over to the UN is long overdue.
Put it this way, if it was for the good of the iraqi people then the US should have never invaded Iraq. If it was for the good of the Iraqi people you shouldnt have bombed them back to the stone age. You shouldnt have caused so much "collateral damage".
Fraudia when people in the UN establishment say that they are merely puppets what do you think objective independent spectators say?
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*Originally posted by CM: *
Put it this way, if it was for the good of the iraqi people then the US should have never invaded Iraq. If it was for the good of the Iraqi people you shouldnt have bombed them back to the stone age. You shouldnt have caused so much "collateral damage".
Fraudia when people in the UN establishment say that they are merely puppets what do you think objective independent spectators say?
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"good for the iraqi people" that is a f___ing oxymoron!!!! There are people around the world in lot worse conditions how about some good for those... But wait,,, never mind you get the idea......
[QUOTE] Originally posted by Abdali: *
**Q. Why the US is begging for UN backing in Iraq ?
A. Because its ass is on the line.*
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Exactly, but did the neo-cons not say a year ago that the UN was irrelevant? :)
The fatal mistake the American's made in Vietnam was that they did not read up on the history of that nation and it's people, then they might have thought twice about getting involved? If they read up on the history of modern Iraq i.e. of the 1920's and 1930's they will realise that they are facing the exact problems the British did, and they never managed to come to terms with them, especially to the satisfaction of the Shia Muslim majority.
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*Originally posted by CM: *
Fraudia when people in the UN establishment say that they are merely puppets what do you think objective independent spectators say?
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Okay then, people should stop whining about UN being involved or not being involved, because if it is a puppet, who does it even matter. Why do people want a puppet to get involved or a puppet to approve a war..:)
Okay then, people should stop whining about UN being involved or not being involved, because if it is a puppet, who does it even matter. Why do people want a puppet to get involved or a puppet to approve a war..:)
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Exactly. That is why i think all UN activities should be stopped in iraq. No more food. No more reconstruction. We all know how the Americans Admin loves the Iraqi people. Lets see them provide, food shelter and clothing.
The UN should cease all activities. That includes UNHCR, UNCIEF etc.