Do you think Iraq will ever function as the U.S. wants it, will it ever be a "democracy"?

Answer 1

No. Iraq hasn't had a democracy in the last 100 years. It will take a dictator to "FORCE" the sectarian violence to come to an end. The population will tire so much of war and violence that it will not care if they have a democracy or not. Last week, a CNN poll claims that there is a whithering of Iraqi popular support for a democracy (only 56% supported that system of government). The main thing for them is an end to violence and to sustain livelihoods.

Answer 2

Iraq already is a democracy. They've had elections. Their government has been assembled.

Now we're trying to defend that democracy from Iranian backed insurgents trying to force the US out, terrorist groups trying to kill as many people as possible, and sectarian militias trying to gain control of Iraq under a new theocracy / dictatorship.

That is what democrats want to run away from.

Answer 3

Assuming the US is sincere in its wish for Iraq to be a 'democracy'...

No. Democracies have emerged as the result of a rather particular set of social forces. The main power groups in society have to be convinced of the value of reason and enlightenment, and thus of the value of discussion and peaceful debate as the best means to reach agreement. Generally business and productivity have to be seen as valuable, and education. Institutions have to exist to allow these forces to develop, and build up in preparation for their participation in government (Britain, USA and France)

In particular, there has to be reasonably widespread respect for the ability of various groups to co-exist, and a recognition that there is a nation united by forces stronger than those which divide. This can be the result of sheer exhaustion with conflict (South Africa), becoming convinced of the value of democracy by seeing similar countries do it (Russia was both these). Democracy cannot flourish while outsiders are trying to interfere to enhance their own power. This may not be the US, but it is certainly Iran.

Iraq is ethnically and, most crucially, religiously divided. Saddam destroyed many institutions, and Paul Bremer destroyed the institutions Saddam created by sacking his public servants and army. Leaving no institutions except those built around religious leaders. Religion does not allow diversity or respect for difference. New institutions have no history or legitimacy, because this has to be built over time- a very long time.

While there are progressive people in Iraq, business people, educators, none of these have any power, no respected base from which they can work. By their mere existence, they threaten religious leaders, who can easily kill them. This is why so many are leaving Iraq- all the brightest and the best.

Iraq has been ruined, and ruined in such a way that it cannot become a functioning country for many, many years.

Lebanon is the model.

Answer 4

What do you think the US wants? I want Iraqis to have freedom from a totalitarian government. Guess what, they are there right now. Democracy is a smoke screen, it is too pliable in todays politics to use. If you mean they get to vote, well they are already there.

We need to stay until the government can take care of itself against al queda and iran/syria, once they are at that point, see you later, call us if you need help again. that is what allies do, they help each other, and hopefully we have created an american ally in that unstable part of the world.

Answer 5

It already does. Why are the theocracies sending troops (insurgents) in, if iraq wasn't?

Answer 6

yeah after all the people are dead then they might bring new people from all over.

Answer 7

Not anytime soon.