Democracy and Freedom Win More Trust among Iraqis

Last January, many Sunni Iraqis boycotted the elections believing that either Iraq can not go on without their votes or that the whole process is a hoax. Nine months later, they are not hesitant for one second to be key partners to draw Iraq’s democratic future and political process.

Even though many Sunnis want to vote to turn down the constitution, this is another sign that the election process gained credibility and Sunnis and Shiites believe in casting their ballots. It is a very positive sign. If people start to have faith in their countries political processes, they will stop terrorism and families that send their children as suicide bombers to kill innocents.

Some argue whether this is democracy or not. Many claim it is an American intervention, occupation, interests….bla bla. The reality is that Iraqis are starting a political process of democracy and freedom with the help of the United States. They will be setting a model for democracy and liberty.

Iraq’s elections uncover to what extent Arab regimes and media are in support of the Iraqi democracy. The Egyptian newspapers’ headlines are highlighting US readiness to launch military operations in Syria. Another headline says, President Mubarak in Libya to discuss pressure on Syria. We are supposed to shed tears on the Syrian regime and how the “bad” US is trying to pressure Syria. There is no mention to the high turnout of the Iraqi referendum and the great political process that is evolving with the people writing their constitution. But of course these are minor details for authoritarian regimes. Another headline says Arab League chairman did not withdraw his decision to visit Baghdad, while the story says nothing about congratulating the Iraqis on their constitution. I am not so sure that the Iraqis want to receive such a despicable person who cannot realize that he has lost touch with reality long time ago. And that he is not speaking a language that would appeal to normal humans who care about their rights and freedom. His only role is to talk about the sovereignty of Iraq without referring to the death of 300,000 Iraqis during the era of Saddam or the mass graves that continue to be unearthed or glorifying their courage to defeat terrorists. He only wants to draw the image that the Iraqis are the followers of the US and that they are getting their punishment for this with all suicide bombers that he promises will not stop until the US is out. I am taking the opportunity to congratulate the Iraqi people on the referendum of the constitution. Even if the constitution did not pass, they will work more on it which is great. I am filled with hope because this gives me hope for a future in Middle East.

It is the will of Iraq and the Iraqis to go ahead and bury years of genocide and oppression under dictatorship, but it is also the help of the world and particularly the US. Without the US protection to democracy and freedom in Iraq, the oppressive dictator regimes in the Middle East would have been capable of blowing up the Iraqi dream, hence blowing our dream for democracy in the Middle East. Thanks to the Iraqi people, thank you for your courage and taking the lead and thanks to the US sacrifice. Photo by AFP