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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Dayuhan who wrote (40854)	8/29/2002 10:10:07 PM
From: Ilaine	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

What do you think the likelihood of a functioning western-style democracy emerging in Iraq is? How about one that allows white men over the age of 21 who own their own land to vote? Gotta start somewhere. I suspect that the other Arab states have more immediate concerns. On the heirarchy of needs, what is the most immediate concern of a king or a dictator? Getting laid? Nah, he can screw anybody he wants. Eating? No, he can eat anything he wants. Building one more palace? No, he builds new palaces every day. Could it be keeping his well-padded posterior on the throne and his head on his shoulders?

To: Dayuhan who wrote (40854)	8/29/2002 10:10:13 PM
From: Nadine Carroll	Respond to of 281500

What do you think the likelihood of a functioning western-style democracy emerging in Iraq is? Pretty remote, in my view. I suspect that the other Arab states have more immediate concerns. It wouldn't have to be a functioning western-style democracy to worry them. Anything with more freedom and more responsiveness to the citizens -- even, say, on a par with Jordan -- would be enough to put Our Friends the Saudis at risk from their own countrymen. Not to mention that US influence would be greatly expanded, and instead of worrying about appeasing Al Qaeda, they would have to worry about appeasing us.