Iraqi Parliamentarians before going on vacation, Aug. 2007.

 

 

Azzaman, Iraq

It's Time Iraqis Stopped Laughing!

 

"For a long while as they ranted about democracy, Iraqi politicians were also laughing to themselves. And they have been backed up by the greatest laughers of them all, the Americans - and the might of the U.S. Army. In fact, since the Americans created the racist, sectarian Governing Council on the first day of their occupation, everyone has been laughing to themselves over the 'democracy' that Iraqis have been practicing."

 

By Fateh Abdulsalam

                                     

 

Translated By James Jacobson and Nicolas Dagher

 

August 6, 2008

 

Iraq - Azzaman - Original Article (Arabic)

For a long while as they ranted about democracy, Iraqi politicians were also laughing to themselves. And they have been backed up by the greatest laughers of them all, the Americans - and the might of the U.S. Army. In fact, since the Americans created the racist, sectarian Governing Council on the first day of their occupation, everyone has been laughing to themselves over the "democracy" that Iraqis have been practicing. It is the kind found in dark, foul-smelling corridors, and consists of politicians dividing up the shares, generating statistics to suit their needs, making laws to suit their interests and taking positions that harm the nation. But this deteriorating situation couldn't last forever, which is why the sores and fissures of the political process, which have emerged out of the womb of Article 7, have become so apparent.

 

[Editor's Note: It's not clear which Article 7 author is referring to. Iraq's Constitution has no Article 7, although the Bush Administration used Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which permits the U.N. Security Council to use of force against member states, to justify the Iraq invasion ].

 

Now all of Iraq must show the courage necessary to stop this democracy game that has been exposed, and for which we Iraqis have paid so heavily with our priceless blood. The question is: what's the solution? What's the alternative to the false democracy with which all Iraqis "comfort" themselves today? For if the new Iraq is to rise up, Iraqis must take hold of the only choice - real democracy - which doesn't submit to racial or sectarian influence, regardless of which side it comes from. This must be done so that Iraq isn't continually divided and can gradually move toward success. This we have failed to do, despite a united temporary flag, a single president, and a single - even if much disputed - constitution.

 

[Editor's Note: The current Iraqi flag was adopted in 2008 for a year and is intended to be an interim measure until a permanent solution to the flag issue is found ].

 

Iraqi Flag Description: three equal horizontal bands of red, white, and

black; the Takbir (Arabic expression meaning 'God is great') in green

script is centered in the white band; similar to the flag of Syria, which

has two stars but no script, Yemen, which has a plain white band, and

that of Egypt, which has a gold Eagle of Saladin centered in the white

band; design is based upon the Arab Liberation colors; Council of

Representatives approved this flag as a compromise, as a temporary

replacement for Baathist Saddam-era flag.

[CIA WORLD FACT BOOK].

 

Democracy comes in various forms - and Iraq has its own. It seems that here, every province, group or class has its own definition of "democracy," which stems from their own narrow interests, and which have no connection to the interests of Iraq. As long as this country continues to be run in a manner fitting with the expression, "If you want a rabbit, I'll give you a gazelle," it will remain ensnared in fast-developing crisis without end. At the root of the problem are these competing groups and definitions of democracy. And the greatest catastrophe is that all of them are involved with inviting foreign interference [Iranian, Saudi, American and others] into Iraqi affairs. Despite their claims that they do so for patriotic reasons  or to keep our national options open, perhaps they mean something else by the word options. 

Posted by WORLDMEETS.US

 

 

Iraqi leaders must abide by the limits of their power and understand that it's time for them to correct the deviant approach to decision-making they have been caught up in. It is they - out political leaders- who would benefit the most from this proposal. To get Iraq on the right track, they must offer national guarantees and a stake in the power structure for all of their political opponents. Because up to now, since they have been locked out of the spheres of influence, those opponents have been working against the interests of the country.

 

CLICK HERE FOR ARABIC VERSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Posted by WORLDMEETS.US August 19, 1:45am]