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On Tue, 3 Jun 2003 14:49:53 +0200 Boros Attila <boros.attila@drotposta.hu> writes: >Dear Bob, > >You hit the nail on the head with the "protection racket" >point, but I cannot think how Iraqis, vandalized, raped, >terrorized, and divided as they are, could "get their act >together now and mount a unified effort to form a >government of their own". I wish they could, but I am >afraid you are much too optimistic in saying that. In >fact, it seems they are looking to the occupiers >to sort things out, just as the disrespectful bunch of >the 'international community' do. > >Best, >Attila >Hungary They obviously will need help, most immediately with the "housekeeping" functions: health, water, electricity, security, etc. At the same time I hear about how competent the Iraqis are, and that is believable -- but if the US/UK interferes with them by opposing the leaders who emerge but are not strong allies of the US/UK then it's that much harder. Hardly anyone wants extreme Muslim fundamentalists to take over, but many of the Muslim leaders are not so much extremists but simply refuse to kowtow to Bush. This is another opportunity (likely to be missed for lack of cohesiveness and political will?) for the surrounding Nations and the Arab league to step in to help -- it would be better for the region if a viable Iraq emerged. Two problems would seem to be that the US would oppose it, thinking that a pan-Arab effort would threaten it's control (and probably be linked by the US administration to extreme Bathism), and that at least some of the Arab nations would also be fearful of a strongly democratic Iraq as threatening their own highly controlled centralized governments -- or in the case of Turkey inflaming Kurdish desires for independence. Nonetheless, the entire region needs to re-examine the assumptions regarding democracy. Over the long term it is better than a strong monarchy or oligarchy for everyone. A wave of democratic reform would be good for the region, and I would say to those currently in power "try it, you'll like it". Grasping power gives some advantages to those in power, but also has it's costs, one of which is a continuing threat of instability, which leads, as one evil side effect, to the tndency to gravitate towards the US for support and military assistance. Dictatorial government is a precarious perch, which is inherently dangerous, and generally doomed to ultimate failure (one reason why I oppose current US policy). The end point of dictatorial policy can be seen in the downfall of Saddam the Shah of Iran, Pinochet, Marcos, among many others. I should think that the strategies for a free Iraq would include working on communications, such as newpapers, internet, and broadcast media (perhaps transmitted from outside of Iraq). Islam itself (properly interpreted and practiced) has powerful elements of good government practice embedded in it, which can be utilized. If some form of popular government can be formed, even if all Iraqis don't support it fully, then there would be a way to make contracts and use the oil wealth of the country as a bargaining chip to get the help of other countries, perhaps Russia, China, European nations. One some stability is reached then adjustments of government can be made through open debate, elections, and normal politics -- impossible if the US controls the process. One of the most difficult situations for a policeman is domestic disturbances: the cop arrives at the scene to find a fight going on, but then the whole family often resists him *the enemy from without), being so loyal to each other and the family unit that they resent any outside interference. If he leaves they return to process of squabbling, trying to settle the disagreements amongst themselves. That sort of attitude should be encouraged both in Iraq and in the whole Arab region. If the leaders of the individual Arab nations allow themselves to be torn apart by supporting the US, hoping to gain individual advantage, they will be picked off one by one -- divided and conquered. A strong, politically competent people, and a working inter-relationship of the Arabian nations is the best security. The Arab League needs to understand this, and gain solidarity -- including aiding Iraq to establish itself as an independent nation. Of course it's difficult and complex, but any more so than knuckling under to the US? Shall we say that the Arabs (who invented law) are not up to the task? That Mohammed's lessons about coming together in unity, tolerance for diversity, and defense of human rights were in vain? I would hope not! What's the alternative? ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! _______________________________________________ Sent via the discussion list of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq. To unsubscribe, visit http://lists.casi.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/casi-discuss To contact the list manager, email casi-discuss-admin@lists.casi.org.uk All postings are archived on CASI's website: http://www.casi.org.uk