And They Said It Wasn’t Possible

The Iraqi elections have come and gone. And although the counting continues, the spirit of what this means is everywhere. For the first time in nearly a half century, Iraq has had an election with more than one party, and for that matter, one religious goup, on the ballot. And though not everything went perfectly, I truly believe what it signified was something truly awe inspiring.

The terrorists have for months been warning of huge attacks on any who cooperate with American forces and turn out to vote. Well, it seems that the power they feel they have has lessened quite vastly. Forty-four lives were taken during the momentous occasion, far less than, quite frankly, the world had even anticipated. Most believed that there would be overwhelming violence and that would cause so many Iraqi’s not to show up. All I can say is, for those that doubt democracy can work and evil is strong, take a hard look at what Iraq was able to do.

Some people, even many readers of this site, believed that the Iraq elections would be low in turnout, and would be deemed illegitimate due to the exodus of many of the Sunni political nominees. As far as the turnout is concerned, numbers range from 57-60% of registered votes showed up to claim their stake in the Iraqi future. Compare that number of Americans who voted in the 2004 election, without the threat of death and violence at 60.7%. People complained about waiting in lines two hours to vote in America, while at one polling station in Iraq, people refused to be denied their right to vote, even as police and other authorities reacted to a suicide bombing close by.

As for the question of illegitimacy, Ralph Nader was left off the ballots in many states, should we call the 2004 election illegitimate because of that? I know there are rules and regulations concerning getting on the ballot, but did the Sunni’s not have enough time to be placed on the ballot. The Sunni people had plenty of time and opportunity to stay on the ballot, but you can’t force someone to run for public office. Even though Sunni’s were not well represented on the ballots, there is stunning evidence that says that many more Sunni’s than originally anticipated went to the polls to vote. To me, this signals an end of Sunni vs. Shi’ite and Iraq vs. America, but a move to America and Iraq (Sunni, Shi’ite and Kurds) against outsiders and insurgents plotting to destroy their country.

Does this election mean that democracy strives and is already sustained in Iraq? No. Does this step become the first in the path to democracy? YES. I don’t believe Bush has ever really imagined that Iraq would be perfect after the elections, but I have felt that he had hoped that they would prove to the world that they can be independent, that they can shape their own futures. These are not children; they are a people proud and strong. And in the upcoming months, I truly believe that move to independence will be staggering.

Understand, the loss of life in Iraq is not over; there is still plenty of work to be done. This election only marks the point in history where the Iraqi people take over their future. Many of those voting said they hope this bring the lessening presence of coalition forces. That is a goal all involved also would like to see. The Iraqi police and military are making great strides, and are having a bigger influence in the region.

So no, elections don’t bring about democracy, and I don’t believe Bush has ever felt that way. Elections, these elections, only signify that Iraq is on its way to better from of government. It signifies that the lives loss in binging this day to the Iraqi people have not been altered by those seeking to do harm. Just as our flag represents our democracy here in America, the purple dyed fingers of Sunday portray the new growth of a very young democracy. I am proud of their accomplishment, as well as our own. But I also understand that this day will lose significance to Americans, and the world, if we do not exercise a strong plan of exit. I plead to Bush and all in Washington; don’t let this historic occasion be marred by incompetence. You have brought the Iraqi people what they wanted, don’t stop there!

Here is a little article I found very enlighteing. What if Bush has been right about Iraq all along?