[risk]

Now we get to find out what happens when Saddam's secular government isn't in force.

I think this will be the first real test of our experiment in Iraq. Separation of church and state will have to be enforced or else we are begging for trouble now, and in the future.

[DannyTN]

"Separation of church and state will have to be enforced or else we are begging for trouble now, and in the future. "

With the Shiites in the majority, I think we are going to have trouble structuring the government in such a way so as to protect the rights of the minorities. Could be wrong, but it really depends on how many shiites are willing to stand up for those rights.

One thing that will help is the way they are dividing the country under a federal system. I suspect though that if you think the Federal system get's abused in our country, that Iraq is going to teach our politicians us some new tricks.

[montag813]

I think this will be the first real test of our experiment in Iraq. Separation of church and state will have to be enforced or else we are begging for trouble now, and in the future.

This can only be accomplished if WE impose a constitution like we did in Japan and Germany. But that wont happen with this pussy "we're not occupiers...please don't hate us" mentality. Ideally the Iraqis should have their rights, but OUR security and economic interests come first. We must establish a stong base in Basra and insist on pro-American governments from now on. It is naive to adopt the neocons blind belief that we're ging to see a Jeffersonian democracy any day now. Arabs respect only the use of power. We must protect our interests first and foremost.

[alloysteel]

Suppose we allow the Shi'a to proceed with forming an independent country, which would be an ally of Iran. Would this strengthen the theocracy in Iran, or serve to continue the foundering there? Right now, Iran is tottering on the brink of uncertainty, and may very well have to adopt a more secular government to regain stability. But a neighbor that has adopted a similar form of religious governance, just may be the bracing support the ayatollahs of Iran need to continue their own autocratic rule.

[Minty]

The next one to get kill will be Ayatollah Ali Sistani.