U.S. officials rethink hopes for Iraq democracy

[babylonsister]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/08/22/iraq.democracy/index.html

U.S. officials rethink hopes for Iraq democracy
From Michael Ware and Thomas Evans
CNN


BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Nightmarish political realities in Baghdad are prompting American officials to curb their vision for democracy in Iraq. Instead, the officials now say they are willing to settle for a government that functions and can bring security.
art.iraq.violence.afp.gi.jpg

Continuing violence -- like this Baghdad blast from May -- is causing a rethink of U.S. goals, generals say.

A workable democratic and sovereign government in Iraq was one of the Bush administration's stated goals of the war.

But for the first time, exasperated front-line U.S. generals talk openly of non-democratic governmental alternatives, and while the two top U.S. officials in Iraq still talk about preserving the country's nascent democratic institutions, they say their ambitions aren't as "lofty" as they once had been.

"Democratic institutions are not necessarily the way ahead in the long-term future," said Brig. Gen. John "Mick" Bednarek, part of Task Force Lightning in Diyala province, one of the war's major battlegrounds.

The comments reflect a practicality common among Western diplomats and officials trying to win hearts and minds in the Middle East and other non-Western countries where democracy isn't a tradition.

The failure of Iraq to emerge from widespread instability is a bitter pill for the United States, which optimistically toppled the Saddam Hussein regime more than four years ago. Millions of Iraqis went to the polls to cast ballots, something that generated great promise for the establishment of a democratic system.

more...

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/08/22/iraq.democracy/index.html

[Hydra]

1. K&R

Crocodile tears.

"We're bringing them freedom!" Gee, where is that freedom? Could it be that you never intended Iraq to have a democracy? Or is it because they are telling you that they won't sign the Hydrocarbon Law?

Shall we install another Saddam? Another Shah?

[Jim__]

2. Yeah, let's just install another strong man leader.

And then tell me, what is it that all the American military died for?

[KansDem]

3. What a load of maroons!!!

Nightmarish political realities in Baghdad are prompting American officials to curb their vision for democracy in Iraq. Instead, the officials now say they are willing to settle for a government that functions and can bring security.--you mean another Saddam?

Democratic institutions are not necessarily the way ahead in the long-term future--Yeah, ya think? None of you neo-con fascists would admit this 5-6 years ago. What changed you mind?

By the way, Gen. John "Mick" Bednarek, did you ever find the weapons?

[Hydra]

4. Kicking for more exposure

All the people who think we did something positive need to see how quickly we'll put the someone like Saddam back in power for our "interests."
:kick: