Iraq raps Putin for 'sarcasm' on Iraqi democracy

[sabra]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/MAC747747.htm

Iraq raps Putin for 'sarcasm' on Iraqi democracy

BAGHDAD, July 17 (Reuters) - Iraq's government criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday for making fun of its U.S.-sponsored democracy at the G8 summit.

At a news conference on Saturday in St. Petersburg with U.S. President George W. Bush, Putin responded to comments by Bush on Russia's own brand of democracy by saying in a barbed aside: "We of course don't want to have a democracy like the one in Iraq."

"Mr. Vladimir Putin ... has diminished the importance of the democratic experience in Iraq with a sarcastic remark," read a statement from the office of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

Maliki's office said: "The government of Iraq was astonished at this remark. It ignores the daily sacrifices and unique courage shown by Iraqis who turned out in large numbers ... to exercise their right to vote.

[Kagemusha]

1. Uh perhaps Bush took it as a joke...

But Putin was QUITE serious...

[saigon68]

10. Nice democracy

[grytpype]

2. You can totally tell that was dictated by the Bush Misadministration.

Sounds just like them.

[Tellurian]

8. Right On..

And I'm sure Putin lost a whole night's sleep worrying
he's offended the US model of democracy. Knowing heads
of state can be replaced at a moments notice
(if they no longer live)and elections can and have been stolen.

[Spazito]

3. LOL, and we KNOW this wasn't a response crafted by the US....

no way, nah, wouldn't happen!

[ps1074]

4. can't stop laughing

:rofl:

[gratuitous]

5. "I'm not a puppet!" screamed Pinocchio

But like a sci fi movie with cheap production values, everyone can see the strings and the wires.

[Virginia Dare]

6. The by-line says Baghdad...

but you can bet it came straight from Washington, D.C.

[Tempest]

7. The truth hurts

al-Maliki is only in power by the good graces of the U.S., and his American security detail.

[rodeodance]

9. they are starting to whine like the Repugs.

[Vinca]

11. Score one for Pootie Poot. I thought it was a perfect response. nt

[Jack Rabbit]

12. Dear Mr. Prime Minister:

When your government sponsors and your parliament passes laws overturning the hundred decrees of Mr. Bremer, the American governor general would ruled occupied Iraq, then I will believe that Iraq is no longer a neoconservative colony.

Until then, Iraq is not a sovereign state, much less a democratic one.