Why is the Election in Iraq a "Victory" for the US?

Not one political party uses their connection to the American government as a positive platform to get votes. It seems to me that when the most popular party in Iraq is called the "Party for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq" and answers to Shi'ite clerics, we may be asking for trouble. The ruling party in neighboring Iran, our arch-enemy, is called the "Party for the Islamic Revolution in Iran" and answers to the Shi'ite clerics there. Is it just me, or has this obvious fact escaped our high level intelligence experts in the Bush administration.

On top of the above fact is that the "Party for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq" has ties to our enemies in Iran, while the Sunni parties hate us even more. Other than the Kurds who want autonomy in the North, who the F*ck is on our side? Remember, the Kurds may well one day put us in the middle with our other ally, Turkey, if they receive their Independence.

I know, get to the point. Here it is. Democracy is great, but it has to be accompanied by civil rights, like our "bill of rights". Jefferson preached against the "tyranny of the majority" during our founding days. If there is no respect for individual freedom, a democracy can turn into a tyranny very easily, especially in a country with a state religion or waring religious and political factions (i.e. Germany in 1930. Remember, Hitler cobbled together a coalition from freely elected members of the Reich Stag).

I am no expert, but from what I know about politics, if you enter a room with twelve people and ten of them hate your guts, it's not in your best interest to ask for a vote.

Why do you hate America?

Just like "Iraq did 9/11" and "Weapons of Mass Destruction". All that just HAS to be true, 'cuz the gov't says so.
The Professor

The Daddy Dino worked for a tree pushing company called "We say so."

They were bigger than all the other guys, I guess.

And, the parallels are disturbing.
The Professor

for a couple minutes anyway, then it's back to bullets, and don't forget bombs. You have to be a real hard core bush-ass-kisser like Brit Hume to think this will improve the situation for our troops. He thinks bush's poll numbers will get a 'big boost' from the Iraqi election! Who does he think he's kidding?

Thats not so complicated.

Don

http://www.un.org/news/dh/infocus/iraq/election-fact-sht.htm

Who is responsible for organizing the elections?

The exclusive jurisdiction for the oversight, organization and conduct of the transitional elections has been vested in the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI) - established by the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) order 92 ( 31 May 2004 ).

The IECI is also the authority responsible for certifying political parties, associations, groups and independent candidates as political entities – to compete in the election. The IECI is the arbiter of electoral disputes and can impose penalties against political entities for election related offences.

As the electoral process evolves, the IECI will become the main focus of political pressure . The IECI's capacity to withstand political pressure will depend largely on its ability to remain independent, impartial and consistent – in reality and perception.

It may have been set up in the last days of the CPA, but it seems to be operated by Iraqis.

Link to website:
http://www.ieciraq.org/English/Frameset_english.htm

And to IECI Reg. 9 - 2005 Certification of Candidate Lists

http://www.ieciraq.org/final%20cand/IECI%20Reg%209-2005%20Candidate%20Certification%20final%20_Eng_.pdf

The IECI was formed and its members were appointed by the USA. To say anything in Iraq "seems to be operated by Iraqis" with over 150,000 US soldiers occupying their country is ridiculous on its face. You might get some Fox news viewers to buy that mumbo jumbo you are selling but I ain't. Toodle loo.

Don

And Lord knows it is impossible for the Mighty Hi-Tech Trillion-Dollar Shock-and-Awe Imperial Legions to lose ...

I thought like that until recently. I remember in 1994 during the elections in Algeria, the ballot counting was stopped at the half way point by the military when it became obvious the Islamic parties were going to win. I think the country has been under military rule since. I was happy at the time, pleased that religious fundamentalists didn't attain power. Now I'm not so sure. What if the aspirations of the people has been respected and a new governing party had time to grow into the role and become more pragmatic?

Besides, the Iraqi National List with Allawi and other parties (including the communists) are friendly towards the West. So is the Iraqi National Congress with Chalabi at the helm.

I'll bet most of the new authority there feels the same