CNN reports that there may be a breakthrough in the current stalemate in forming an Iraqi government as current Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari has softened his stance on keeping his current position.
Al-Jaafari was a weak leader, and it’s important that the central government gain legitimacy in the eyes of the people. A candidate who can reach out across sectarian lines and reform the corruption that is Iraq’s single biggest long-term problem will be crucial to the future of the Iraqi nation. Prime Minister Jaafari was simply not the man for the job.
The situation in Iraq isn’t really a military problem anymore – although if widespread fighting breaks out it could be. Iraq’s problems are mainly in the political sphere – a weak central government, widespread corruption, and a police force that’s heavily infiltrated by sectarian groups serving their own agendas. What Iraq needs is an Iraqi Rudy Giuliani – a tough-minded leader who won’t bow to pressure and will do what it takes to clean up the streets of Baghdad and enforce law and order.
Meanwhile, the anarchy on the streets of Baghdad continues to claim the lives in innocents, which is why it is so absolutely crucial that the Iraqi government be able to enforce a sense of law and order. The constant political bickering is normal in a healthy democracy – and vastly preferable to solving issues with bullets – but has only hurt the legitimacy of the democratic process in the eyes of the Iraqi people. Hopefully a stronger leader will be able to undo some of the damage.
Unlike the prophets of doom, I don’t think Iraq is destined for unending tribal warfare. The reality of Iraq is that the lines between Sunni and Shi’ite aren’t nearly as strong as they’re made to be. Many Iraqi tribes have both Sunni and Shi’ite members. The silent majority of Iraqis – the ones who don’t parade in the streets in front of Western cameras – are just rightly sick and tired of constant war and terrorism. Given them a leader with the courage to face down the criminals and terrorists and who will work towards uniting the various factions and the situation in Iraq could turn around faster than anyone imagined. An Iraqi Atatürk or a Giuliani can provide the strong leadership necessary to Iraq’s future without compromising its democratic values.
At the same time, finding that person is going to be the hard part…
UPDATE: Gateway Pundit has several Iraqi reactions to the situation. It appears as though the consensus is that the political process has dragged on too long and it’s time for a settlement – which is hardly surprising.
isn’t this just a bit more of the classic wishing for “a strong man with a moustache”? and those you call the prophets of doom would have been excoriated here at you blog for suggesting that iraq is nopt ready for demcoracy – but you seem ready to forego democracy for a strongman now. is it no longer considered somehow elitist or racist to suggest that they are no ready for democracy (i don’t think they are).
It’s not racist to suggest that they are not ready for democracy. The asumption that some people view their state as incapable of democracy is not cause they are middle easterner, it is that the security and political climate just aren’t right at the moment. It has nothing to do with the color of the skin or their religion, everything to do with the way their society is treating the concept of law and order, and that has been different and can be different.
If someone one ever calls you a racist for suggesting that they aren’t ready, kindly point out to them and say ” Democarcy happens regardless of race, look at south korea, japan, india, south africa and brazil. All these countries have democracy, it is not limited to the white states of europe and north america. To assume that this could even be a good source of an arguement, one would have to forget that their are many examples of democracy that aren’t white.”
These silly arguements are an impediment to focusing on the real problems. It’s like arguing over how large the iceberg was that just hit the titanic
Strong leadership doesn’t require abandoning democracy. I’m thinking someone along the lines of an Atatürk – a figure who will provide a strong hand in fighting corruption and terrorism, but do so while respecting the future of Iraq as a democratic and pluralist state.