I am for a liberal democracy and I see the current coalition as representative. So, we have the seeds that could bring a republic forward.
There are some problems with the cultural clashes. We think the typical Iraqi is ignorant about the real West. Its true, even though most have seen satellite western programs. Another problem is that Iraqis think we are knowledgeable about their culture (and we think so too) but we are, in fact, quite ignorant.
For example Moqtada Al-Sadr has preached to his followers that the real reason the USA invaded Iraq is because we know Al-Mahdi is there and we want to murder him. Do you know what the Mahdi is? Do you think that was what America had in mind? Al-Sadr’s followers totally believe him. So, you should begin to see that the problem is deaper than wanting to be liberated from American Occupation.
Let’s take a look at the two major groups, Shi’a and Sunni Muslims. We know that fundamental extremism is the biggest threat to a national representative government.
Sunni Extremism (Al-Quaida): Though it adheres to no particular sect, in general its philosophy is Salafist; the ultimate goal of al-Qaida is to establish a Caliphate across the entire Islamic world, by working with allied Islamic extremist groups to overthrow secular or Western-supported regimes.
Shi’a Extremism (The Army of Mahdi): The army of Mahdi will fight the oppressors, unite the Muslims, bring peace and justice to the world, rule over the Islamic world, so the Mahdi can prepare the way for Jesus. Mahdi will lead a prayer in Mekkah at which Jesus will be present.
Zarakawi is the Sunni Al-Quaida leader who is accused of the insurgency resulting in Nick Bergs beheading.
Al-Sadr is the Shi'a leader who declared the manifestation of the ‘Army of Mahdi’. The reason he gives as not being able to disband this army like other militia groups have been forced to do, is because it is the Army of Al-Mahdi.
We have already seen the ability of Al-Sadr’s followers to wipe out rival Iraqi groups and individuals.
The Sunni extremists consider the Shi’a to be the most evil group on the face of the Earth. Their leaders openly proclaim them more evil than even the American occupiers because they have violated the sacred religion of God. Al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian who joined up with Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan and is believed to be closely linked to al-Qa'eda, is open in his hatred of Shias who he describes as "the most evil of mankind". They are more evil than any other group on Earth because it is they who would corrupt Allah's word. He tells his followers: "They are the enemy. Beware of them. Fight them."
So for starters we need to understand the very, very real goals of these two organizations. At a minimum they intend to rise, conquer and rule the world. They intend to crush any opposition, which includes each other and somewhere down the line us.
The ignorance exposed by the average American in the street is in assuming that all the Iraqis want is to be liberated from us. Of course, nobody likes the cops breaking the door down and occupying their couch. But if there are bullies in the house we want the cops there long enough to secure our peace and safety. That is the circumstance in Iraq right now. They don’t want us there but there is not one unified Iraqi national voice saying WE want such and such and there is no security for the diverse groups or individuals.
Al-Sadr, for example, is a fundamental extreme racist, along with being the charismatic leader of the Shi’ites.
Zarakawi intends to support the manifestation of Califa to rule the world.
Mass torturing murder and genocidal waves of slaughter would be only the beginning, if the USA were to withdraw today.
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The best bet for us is to do everything we can to support the establishment of a representative democracy that affords personal liberty and justice under the rule of law. |
