The power of democracy

The Times (U.K.) ^ | 02/01/05 | Leader

[Pokey78]

The vote in Iraq is a vital first step to freedom

The day-after euphoria of many Iraqis and the relief, surprise and admiration of the outside world at the resounding success of Iraq’s first democratic elections in half a century are the latest astonishing testimony to the power of democracy. In Indonesia, Afghanistan and the Palestinian territories, voters have turned out in their millions to prove wrong those cynics who insisted that any ballot would be unrepresentative, irrelevant or merely a prelude to further conflict. The support of Washington for these first steps in empowering millions with the basic rights of freedom was taken as proof that “Western” democracy was either incompatible with Islam or a plot to further Western interests.

Iraq has now vibrantly demonstrated that these theories are false. Millions risked their lives to vote. Neither the violence, the campaign of intimidation nor the corrosive denunciation of those posing as nationalists and freedom fighters deterred Iraqis, young and old, the infirm, the destitute and those who had lost family to terrorism and repression from waiting their turn to choose a representative.

The sight of so many people so determined to make their voices heard came as a shock to many. Those tired governments in the region that fear the Iraqi example or have colluded with thugs to keep themselves in power will find it hard to explain away these elections. Those Islamists who insisted that any vote supported by the Americans would be invalid have been exposed for what they are: bigots who can terrorise but never convince. Those governments, including several Nato and EU members, itching to embarrass the Bush Administration, have now had to voice formulaic congratulations to cover their confusion.

The Iraqis themselves know that this election is only the first step out of Saddam Hussein’s malign shadow. When a new national assembly is formed, by February 15 at the latest, its job will be to elect a prime minister and government and draft a constitution. This must be approved in a national referendum, and fresh elections will be held in December. Only then will Iraqis be ruled under a system that they chose and they approved. Iyad Allawi, the interim Prime Minister, summed up the challenge yesterday when he declared that Iraq was entering a new phase, in which all Iraqis must work together whether or not they voted. He said he would now begin a “national patriotic dialogue”. The aim is to bring into national life those Sunnis who were too frightened or resentful to vote. They are fewer than predicted; but unless powersharing can be formalised, the chance for terrorists to exploit their fears will remain.

Several factors should prompt optimism. First, the Shia-dominated list, the United Iraqi Alliance that takes its lead from Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and is likely to win the most seats, has made clear that it sees a place for Sunnis in any coalition. Secondly, some countries, especially France, have been quietly urging Sunnis to co-operate with the electoral process. More such helpful diplomacy, preferably by Muslim nations, would be welcome. Meanwhile, the election should serve as a signal for the world to pour in the aid and expertise needed to make reconstruction a reality. The Sunnis must be surprised and impressed by the generosity of their fellow Iraqis, and all Iraqis must be pleasantly surprised by the generosity of the outside world.

[Billthedrill]

Those governments, including several Nato and EU members, itching to embarrass the Bush Administration, have now had to voice formulaic congratulations to cover their confusion.

Yeah, and it's killing them. I doubt the majority of them will ever recognize the truth of the matter - they're still insisting Reagan was wrong to deploy the Pershings twenty years ago.

[Cicero]

How long will it be before the media all claim that they predicted a successful election but that any succeeding problems are all Bush's fault?

The Times is not left-wing, but it was very negative about Bush and Iraq these past few months. Now they're dissociating themselves from the criticism they themselves were only too happy to express just a few days ago.

[expatpat]

they're still insisting Reagan was wrong to deploy the Pershings twenty years ago.

Very quietly though!