Not true. Believe it or not, the Iraqi Muslims are some of the most secular Muslims in all of the Middle East. The problem with the Islamic religion is that it mixes in politics with faith. So truly devout Islamic people always want to set up an Islamic state with Sharia law. That's why there are so many crude despotic regimes in the Middle East. However, the more modern, secular Muslims have started to reinterpret some pieces of their religion and have become a great deal more moderate. In the U.S. you'll find plenty of very faithful, peaceful, moderate Arabs, who also believe in Democracy and capitalism.
So I think Iraq actually does have promise, because the people probably will prefer freedom, peace, and capitalism to Sharia law or another despotic regime. Just check out Iran. The people over there are just like us. They really do want a more liberal society with the freedoms we enjoy. Unfortunately for them, the Ayatollah has a lock on the Judiciary and the Revolutionary Council which can veto all reformist laws, before they're enacted. Too bad for them.
Anyway, I think Iraqis have a real chance for democracy, except for one thing. It will take a hell of a lot more time than 1-2 years and I don't believe Bush will get a second term to continue his project. I also think the rest of the world won't let us finish the job, before we have to bow to international pressure and abandon our occupation. We'll start the job, but I don't think we'll have a chance to finish it. |
