Kiev to Baghdad: Diverse People Chase Same Goal (Democracy: Ukraine to Iraq)

Wall Street Journal ^ | December 10, 2004 | Daniel Henninger

[OESY]

...Ukraine's experience has become a democratic benchmark. By briefly overlaying Iraq on Ukraine, we may better understand Iraq's prospects. Vladimir Putin last week mocked the likelihood of a real democratic event happening in Iraq next month....

Courts function in Iraq, but unlike Ukraine judges in Iraq must worry about being shot.... As important is a thriving middle class -- "independent economic forces that can financially support alternative political parties and the like."

But he pointed out the danger of minimizing a nation's prospects by underestimating the momentum of the democratic process....

Iraq's instability, notably in the country's center, is well advertised by now. Less appreciated, however, is Iraq's growing measure of economic stability and vitality.

"Baghdad is booming"....

Stores there are overflowing with goods and the streets jammed with shoppers. It appears that the number of cars has doubled in a year. "The middle class is growing," says Omar. After the April 9, 2003, "liberation," Mohammed was determined to photograph every new building in Baghdad. "Now there is a new building in Baghdad every day; I can't count them all." Land and real-estate prices are surging. Most of the investment is coming out of the Arab world, not the West.

[Some] interesting points: Iraqis won't vote for a government dominated by Islamist religionists. Why? The abhorred next-door example of Iran's mullahs....

"I will vote for a good man, Shia or Sunni."...

Yesterday in Iraq, the primary Shiite groups presented a voting "list" of 228 candidates. The really notable thing about these emerging lists, or slates, is that they are diverse. Most parties are pursing a "big tent" strategy -- by ethnicity, religion and even gender....

Ukraine is not Iraq..., [but] all these peoples deserve public support from the nations and people who are already securely moored to the democratic dock.

[ken5050]

Off topic question..have you seen a listing ahywheres of the various political parties, and what their core platforms/issues/orientations are?

[KOZ.]

Ukraine is not Iraq..., [but] all these peoples deserve public support from the nations and people who are already securely moored to the democratic dock.

well said.

[Valin]

I have a listing for Iraq, but not the Ukraine.
If you want it.

[ken5050]

Thanks..I wanted Iraq....sorry I wasn't clear..

[Valin]

Let me just whip this out!

IRAQI POLITICAL GROUPS
Part 1
http://www.rferl.org/specials/IraqCrisis/specials-politicalgroups.asp

Part 2
http://www.rferl.org/specials/IraqCrisis/specials-politicalgroups2.asp

Note: Kathleen Ridolfo, RFE/RL Iraq Analyst

(This list may not (make that probably) not complete)