Let Iraqis Decide
Jonah Goldberg has an interesting idea that if implemented would settle once and for all whether Americans are "occupiers" or guests in Iraq---let the Iraqis decide! A nationwide referendum would make clear to Iraqis, Americans, and all the world whether U. S. presence is desired or if the U.S. is overstaying its welcome. If they vote for continued U.S. presence, we stay and everyone can shut up, and if they vote for the U.S. to leave, we get our troops home and show our dedication to democracy. Is there a downside to this?
posted by Anna Venger @ 12:02 AM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Now, the Iraqi people have risked their lives several times in order to go to the polls. Each time American and Iraqi soldiers guarded their comings and goings.
If referendum occurs, these angels guarding the voters from terrorism could easily be construed by the insurgents themselves as rounding up and coercing Iraqi's vote that they stay as part of the great evil Satan's plan of imperialism and world domination.
How awful would that be as propaganda?
If the people did vote that we stay, do you think anyone could escape the usual election fraud accusations?
I don't mean to be all pessimistic, but the people who want to see Iraq rules by powerful imams of one sect or another or Saddam once more are masters of deception. Some are like Tariq Aziz, others more like UBL.
It frustrates me that outside the land of milblogs there is no good news from Iraq. Certain members of Congress, the press, and the public are determined not to hear it.
All good points, AO. I think Goldberg, like myself, is weary of all the cries of "imperialism" and "invasion". I do believe the Iraqis, by and large, want us there, as evidenced by their hugs for U.S. troops and notes and shouts of thanksgiving with which they met them. What other army has ever heard that in a foreign country? Certainly, no one welcomed the Romans as liberators. However, those ousted from power who enjoyed intimidating, murdering and raping, are obviously not happy about the power shift. Regime changes are not known historically to be smooth, either. The U.S. largely escaped the extreme factional fighting that marks revolution only by the deep and abiding character of men like Washington, Adams, and company. We were truly blessed.
Thanks, Ares. Your opinions are welcome here. I, as always, appreciate your insights.
I'm not particularly convinced a national forum would work on this issue, but don't people who have faced sifting through rubble for explosives have the best perspective available in terms of wanting to improve their country?
People always fight harder and more intelligently for a better future when they have experienced some kind of serious crisis.
Post a Comment
<< Home