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January 31, 2005

Rundown on Iraqi Election

Juan Cole points out that Sistani isn't an Iraqi citizen. One factor in that appears to have more to do with Saddam than anything else. Apparently, foreigners largely avoided the worst of Saddam's brutality by virtue of being citizens of other countries. Sistani likely took advantage of his Iranian citizenship in just that manner.

Noteworthy is that Ayatollah Ali Sistani follows the more theological Shiite line opposing the ideas of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the late spiritual head of Iran's Islamic revolution, who sought power for clerics. However, Sistani initially opposed Paul Bremer as well as the drawing up of an Iraqi Constitution and only modified that position in apparent response to the upstart junion cleric, Moqtada Sadr.

Cole also points out that Sunni Arab turnout in the elections was light. Sunnis in Samarra, a city of 200,000, only cast 1400 ballots.

Mishan al-Jibury, a Sunni candidate from Mosul, said, "I can honestly say that this has been in general a fair and landmark dress rehearsal for democracy." The Sunni turnout in Mosul is reportedly higher than places like Samarra, although still relatively light.

There is cautious optimism in other Gulf Arab states, along with skepticism over how this election was designed.

It needs to be kept in mind that this election was precisely what Jubury called it - a dress rehearsal for democracy. The new government that springs out of this election will basically be a caretaker interum government for about 11 months when another election is scheduled to take place.

Professor Juan Cole expresses dismay at the misinformation being spoon-fed the American public about this election by our media.

Meanwhile, retired Colonel Tom Carter expresses dismay at the polar opposite misinformation being spoon-fed the American public by our media.

Posted by Kevin at January 31, 2005 11:47 AM