I think it is GREAT that the Iraqis voted--I really do!

[ncteechur]

BUT.. I have a few questions.

If voting meant you were one step closer to ending the fact that you were occupied, wouldn't you vote?

What happens next? What exactly were they voting for this time and aren't they supposed to vote again in January?

What about voting will prevent them from degerating into full-scale civil war either now, or in the future, or when we ultimately leave?

Does the vote really mean anything? People voted under Saddam, also. Lots of them. Of course they all voted for Saddam out of fear. How is this different? How do we know the results are legit?

How does their voting and even if they become a sustained fledgling democracy, how does that make the region more stable? As Iraq goes so goes the rest of the Middle East? ARe they serious?

It has cost us around 300 billion dollars so far? If you divide 300 billion by 200 million Americans, that would be $1500 per person. Pay all Americans $1500 to go vote and you would have 100% turnout. Damn! The point that you cannot buy democracy nor can you give it to someone. Why will this democracy stick after we are gone?

Face on Mount Rushmore? Please.

[Donkeykick]

1. I probably stated this in another thread, but...

You do bring up a good issue. In my opinion, after we leave, the unorthodox Mullahs will come out of their hiding places, and start telling the Iraqi people what to do and who should lead them.

There will never be a true western Democracy there.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

2. Peace is nice

democracy is nice..hope they get it

but I'd rather have the money here. Sorry. I don't spend my money helping my neighbors work through their bad marriage.

[enigma000]

3. hmmmmm. Good Questions

If voting meant you were one step closer to ending the fact that you were occupied, wouldn't you vote?
Sure I would, I imagine most DUers would

What happens next? What exactly were they voting for this time and aren't they supposed to vote again in January?
Ballots are counted and the next 3 months is spend negotiating a makeup of a coalition government. Expect the swearing in ceremony in April. No more votes are scheduled, as this was for seats in parliament - a parliament that has a 4 year term.

What about voting will prevent them from degerating into full-scale civil war either now, or in the future, or when we ultimately leave?
The Shia and the Kurds, who participated in January's elections and wrote the constitution together, worked out their differences. So the hope is the Sunni, who will have representation in government will reach accommodation with the Shia and Kurds.

Does the vote really mean anything? People voted under Saddam, also. Lots of them. Of course they all voted for Saddam out of fear. How is this different? How do we know the results are legit?
Saddam got 103% of the vote last time, at least to my recollection (keep in mind I have yet to have my morning coffee and the grey cells are still at little foggy). 103% is usually a good sign of illegitimacy. The Iraqis will know if the results are legit; if there is a "surprise" winner or loser, they will know its been rigged.

Will it stick?
don't know. But I doubt they are going to have any more genocidal nutbars as leader. The US will take them out first - count on it.