Author Topic: So it'll all be ok after January eh ?? (Read 1156 times)

Sparks · « **on:** November 12, 2004, 10:18:53 PM »

A few weeks ago the USA chose a new president based on a vote split by single figure percentage. You now settle down to four years of governance even if you don't agree with the result. That is the nature of the society.

The same here in UK. The election system may be flawed and governments get elected to power without a popular majority but acceptance is understood and the society carrries on.

Now lets look at Iraq. In January they will hold the first elections. If the power base is split 45% to 55% do you think that the 45% will sit back and accept the outcome and accept however many years of rule under a government they voted against ???
Do you believe that people who follow the religious leaders to march into Najaf wailing and slapping themselves are ready to accept a split vote??

I don't.

I believe this is only the start of the fighting. If the Shia's come to power with even a 10% majority are the Sunnis just going to sit back and say "oh well its only (X) years" ........... I doubt it.

So what do we do when democracy doesn't work ?? stay there indefinitely??

Lizking · « **Reply #1 on:** November 12, 2004, 10:31:41 PM »

Are you saying that the Iraqis are incapable of democratic government?

Nash · « **Reply #2 on:** November 12, 2004, 10:31:50 PM »

The weird thing is.....

Myself, and a whole TON of people have been digging into the election there. Trying to figure it out...

And I'm not trying to be flip about it, but nobody can see a race happening.

The election a mere coupla months away, and nobody can find out who the candidates are.

Who are they voting for/against? What are their platforms?

I don't wanna slight the thing.... but what is this? Who is running against who? It should be a simple thing to answer, but we haven't found it.

Anyone - please tell me....

Who's running, and what are they about?

Lizking · « **Reply #3 on:** November 12, 2004, 10:41:51 PM »

Iraqi franking does not extend to the North American continent.

Lizking · « **Reply #4 on:** November 12, 2004, 10:43:16 PM »

You are a lazy slug, Nash, the first google site is this one:

http://www.electionworld.org/iraq.htm

Nash · « **Reply #5 on:** November 12, 2004, 10:48:32 PM »

You callin' ME lazy, Mr. google-there-it-is?

What are the candidates' names, and in a sentence, what are their platforms?

Google that one.

Lizking · « **Reply #6 on:** November 12, 2004, 10:53:34 PM »

Since you nor I get a vote, nor have a real grasp on the situation for the locals from the english media, I would have to say, you are free to learn Arabic if you are that concerned.

Vudak · « **Reply #7 on:** November 12, 2004, 10:55:58 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Lizking
Are you saying that the Iraqis are incapable of democratic government?

I don't know what he was saying, but I'll say that Democracy, IMO, is generally more widely respected and cherished when it's earned, instead of given, or enforced.

Of course there are many brave Iraqis putting their lives on the line beside our soldiers, and many who have already endured a great deal and will endure much more to reach this stage... And for those souls, yes, they have earned it, and I'm sure they will cherish it.

That said, I really don't see how it's going to work out fine and dandy. I mean, we basically went in there, overthrew their dictatorship, and got the ball rolling for them .

Not to say that was the wrong thing to do, hell, anytime you can liberate 20+ million people from that sort of tyranny, it's a good thing, though it's dissappointing how many can't see that... I'm just saying, no, it won't be peachy in January. Let's just hope it isn't chaotic.

But Sparks, "if it doesn't work" doesn't apply to right after the January elections IMO. We'll be there for awhile to make sure they play nice, then we'll leave when things have either settled down, or the new Iraq can handle the problems herself. Probably no time soon, but not indefinately either.

Nash · « **Reply #8 on:** November 12, 2004, 10:57:43 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Lizking
Since you nor I get a vote, nor have a real grasp on the situation for the locals from the english media, I would have to say, you are free to learn Arabic if you are that concerned.

Hey - just lookin' for the candidates names...

It's a freaking election afterall....

Who is running?

Should be easy....

Lizking · « **Reply #9 on:** November 12, 2004, 10:59:57 PM »

It is, if you speak Arabic.

Sparks · « **Reply #10 on:** November 12, 2004, 11:01:20 PM »

Lizking

Individual Iraqis may be up to accepting a democray but the country as a whole that is exactly what I'm saying.

We are going to be the middle of a bloody civil war - watch this space.

Nash · « **Reply #11 on:** November 12, 2004, 11:03:57 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Lizking
It is, if you speak Arabic.

Don't be a smartass...

If you know the names of the people on the ballot a mere month and a half from now, copy and paste 'em.

Vudak · « **Reply #12 on:** November 12, 2004, 11:04:12 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Sparks

We are going to be the middle of a bloody civil war - watch this space.

Decent chance.

Lizking · « **Reply #13 on:** November 12, 2004, 11:05:05 PM »

Sparks, if we pull out it would be a nasty civil war, but we aren't, and elections mean a lot to citizens.

Nash · « **Reply #14 on:** November 12, 2004, 11:05:48 PM »

WHAT ELECTION???