CNN >> Your e-mails: What will make democracy work in Iraq?

[sabra]

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/12/15/feedback.iraqdemocracy/

Your e-mails: What will make democracy work in Iraq?


(CNN) -- Iraqis went to the polls Thursday to elect their country's first permanent government since the fall of Saddam Hussein. On that historic election day, CNN.com asked readers to e-mail their thoughts on what needs to happen in Iraq to establish a stable democracy. Here is a selection of those responses, some of which have been edited:


The Iraqi people have to want it enough to die for. I don't think we can impose it from outside and I don't think it necessarily diminishes the threat of terrorism. It seems to me that free and open societies may be easier for terrorists to operate in than brutal dictatorships. What needs to change are the cultural and religious beliefs that say terrorism can be justified.
Curt Martin, Helena, Montana

I don't think there is any chance of Iraq becoming a true democracy. It will become another Islamic state. This war, started under false pretenses by the Bush administration, will only cement that fact.
Mary Green, Albany, Oregon

Encouraging, there were only two apparent Koolaid drinkers:

In my opinion, for there to be a stable democracy in Iraq, we need to stay in there to protect. As a young democracy, there will be uproar among the people who don't want this to happen and their army and police force are just not as strong as the USA's. I think that we need to stay over as long as it takes to make sure that a stable democracy gets in place. I know that some people don't agree, but the majority do and we are not being heard because of a few people who live in a land where we have a stable democracy can open their mouths and say whatever they want. We went in and told them that they could have a stable democracy. Don't we owe it to them to see that through?
Holly, Klamath Falls, Oregon

The US needs to stay until the job is finished. I support the direction the President has taken and his speech yesterday shows the determined President I voted for. Freedom of speech is a privilege in this country but I'm sick of hearing from the nay-sayers that we should cut and run. It's harmful for our country and our military.
Sandy, Tulsa, Oklahoma

[ananda]

1. My answer.

Nothing will make democracy work in Iraq because
there is no democracy there in the first place.

Democracy, by nature, cannot be imposed from without.

Yeah, sure, people like to vote. It gives them warmfuzzies
and the feeling that they actually have some power.

But an election has to actually mean something ... not just
be the manipulated exercise of a fanatical group of neocons
and christofascists.

Sue

[BR_Parkway]

2. Um, you think someone should have asked this 3 years ago?

Before we invaded, got a couple thousand American troops and many thousand Iragi's killed? Before tens of thousands of people were blinded, maimed and otherwise wounded for life?

Someone, who didn't have a hardon for this war, should have asked the question back then.