Is democracy in Iraq possible?

[Mass_Liberal]

In my opinion, though I don't like to be a pessimist, it isn't.


1. If the U.S stays, we will not allow an election in which the Iraqi people are offered all options of candidates, (i.e, theocrats, or anti-occupation types)


2. If we don't stay, then the warlords and militias will immediately take control of the country. The governing council would probably be assasinated within a few months of the U.S leaving.


Your opinions?

[Clark4VotingRights]

1. I don't think democracy is possible anywhere the CIA has a business

interest, e.g., oil, coca cola, bananas, whatever.

The imperial juggernaut will not allow it.

[Aidoneus]

2. define the term

as an aside, the occupation forces have been stifling every attempt at democratic self-rule since overthrowing the old government.

[Racenut20]

3. Never has been has it?

[Racenut20]

4. Never has been has it?

[leftofthedial]

5. I don't know. Is democracy in the United States of America possible?

I doubt it.

I think some flavor of a civil war is inevitable there and the result will not look much like the current Iraq.

[NewGuy]

6. We imposed Democracy in both Japan and Germany

I wasn't around then but I would not be surprised to hear there were a lot of naysayers then. The religion in the mix is a bit diferent here as far as I know. Though I believe the emperor of Japan was considered to be Gods representative on earth.

[IrateCitizen]

7. Japan and Germany both had experience with "democracy"

You're forgetting about the Weimar Republic that existed prior to the Nazi rise to power, and also that Japan had a parliamentary system prior to the rise of their own fascist elements.

Democracy is not something that can be imposed. It is something that must come from the people themselves.

As for the Japanese view of the emperor as a living god, it has nothing to do with the rise of a democratic republic in Japan after the war -- except that Hirohito encouraged the Japanese people to accept the American occupation, something that undoubtedly made the transition that much smoother.

I also don't think that either the Germans or Japanese were actively resisting us or shooting at us after WWII....

[daleo]

8. Once the oil is gone

It is possible that the west may leave them alone, and they may develop democracy, if there is sufficient pressure from the population and/or the local elites permit or desire it. However, as long as there are ample reserves of petroleum it is doubtful that they can hope for anything but limited self-government, under some type of U.S./U.K./possibly others imperialism. It is possible that they may make the price in blood and treasure too high for the U.S./U.K. to persevere, though. Time will tell.

[H2O Man]

9. Here's a question....

.... our administration is quick to say this isn't about Islam v Christianity, but think: the bush-right wing describes the USA as a "Christian nation;" they have no problem with Israel being a "Jewish nation;" so why are they so against Iraq being an Islamic nation? Because most of the people there appear to want an Islamic form of government, and would vote for it, if given a chance. So why should dick cheney & Halliburton decide what they get to vote for?

[KansDem]

10. SURE!! Just like democracy in Vietnam was possible...(eom)

[Shirley_U_Geste]

11. no it is not possible

They are not culturally up to it, IMO. Their culture needs a lot of improvement and evolution before it will be equal to the task of democracy.