American dreams of a secular democracy in Iraq suffered in elections

[leftchick]

http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/news/world/13518444.htm

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Until almost the last minute, Muhammed Wattan had been willing to buck the trend.

The 33-year-old Baghdad resident and Shiite Muslim was determined to vote for Ahmad Chalabi's slate of secular candidates in the Dec. 15 parliamentary election. Wattan figured that Chalabi was just the man to establish order and prosperity in war-weary Iraq.

On election eve, however, Wattan decided that defending his religious sect was paramount and switched his vote to a religious Shiite ticket.

"I felt that we are at war," said Wattan, a college-educated clerk. "Chalabi is not the man for this war."

Interviews with other voters also showed that even those who say they like the idea of a stable, unified Iraq under secular leadership voted for religious or ethnic blocs.

[ixion]

1. secular democracy suffers here, too

thanks, BushCo. :grr:

[MichiganVote]

2. No kidding

[eppur_se_muova]

3. Same people running the election, same results. nt

[fishwax]

5. no doubt

:grr:

[bpilgrim]

4. and our sold out M$M still ain't figured that out

oh thats right they aren't paid to think :puke:

peace

[fishwax]

6. color me unsurprised

duh? It was obvious from the beginning, of course, and another dire prediction from those of us who opposed the war from the beginning comes true ...

[Starbucks Anarchist]

7. "What's the Matter with Iraq?"

Looks like the fundies aren't limited to this country.