Very interesting reading by Ahmed Chalabi, president of the Iraqi National Congress, member of the current national assembly, and a former member of the Iraqi Governing Council.
The future Iraq deserves a pluralist state built on a democratic social contract.
BY AHMAD CHALABI
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 12:01 a.m. ESTBAGHDAD—The Iraq Liberation Act, voted in Congress in November 1998 and hence set as part of U.S. law, clearly stated that the pursuit of democracy was a primary motive for regime change in Iraq. The war of liberation in the spring of 2003 was understood by the majority of Iraqis, yearning to be rid of the yoke of Saddam’s tyranny, as liberation. Doubt and distrust set in when liberation became occupation.
Nevertheless, an important trajectory has been set in motion with the removal of the Baathist dictatorship. Political freedom is moving forward despite the obstacles, delays and great losses, primarily to the Iraqi people but also to U.S. and coalition forces. (Witness the attack on the U.S. Army mess tent in Mosul yesterday.) This momentum cannot be reversed.
The Iraqi political landscape is now dominated by three concerns that must be addressed: first, elections in January and their outcome; second, a status-of-forces agreement with the Coalition forces; and third, the writing of a permanent constitution
Despite the lack of security in Iraq today, a democratic, pluralistic Iraq is the only acceptable outcome. Iraq’s unity can be best secured through the involvement of all groups in the political process. The concerns being voiced by many in the international community, of the fear of Sunni marginalization and Shiite domination, were the same concerns that allowed Saddam to last as long as he did. Those arguments are reappearing today, to close the door of hope and opportunity for the Iraqi people. But Saddamism without Saddam is simply not an option.
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