Are American troops “white-ing out” Kurdish flags? Are the formely allied/friendly Kurdish forces now turning against the US?
Just saw this on Kurdos’ blog (in the Iraqi blogs section)
Apparently there has been some seriuos tension brewing between American and Kurdish forces in and around Kirkuk.
If the Kurdish factions decide to revolt, as have groups from the Sunni and Shia camps, whos’ left to support the Iraqi government and US forces?
Ain’t gonna happen. More wishful thinking, Chris?
I’m surprised you would think it was “Wishful” thinking… it’s just thinking. And unfortunately, it seems the possibilities are becoming more and more likely.
It just seems to me that all who criticize the US for the Iraqi war seem eager to see the negative side at all times. Since the war wasn’t approved, it seems that many “wish” the US to fail. Unfortunately, some of those who wish that are constantly pointing to evidence that they supports their interpretation of events in Iraq. Some of that evidence is just “wishful thinking” IMO.
Sure there are untold possibilities of bad outcomes. However, I believe that it is much more probable that Iraq will end up in a very good situation inspite of those fighting fiercely against that end. I suppose you could say I was thinking “wishfully” as an optimist might do. These daily attacks are worrying as they have escalated but I’m looking for solid evidence either way regarding the resolve of the Iraqi people themselves. Anecdotal information from blogs and/or “opinions” from so-called-experts like Juan Cole aren’t all that convincing as to the actual broad state of the potential Iraqi electorate. When the election takes place (and I doubt very seriously that it will be postponed) we will know more about the Iraqi resolve to become a real new nation based on principles of democracy. I, myself, believe that the more rational Iraqis know that the US is giving them a real opportunity to come together as a nation, given time for a fledgeling democracy to develop into a steady and robust political entity.
But if the Sunnis don’t vote (as it seems is the most likely outcome right now), how can the resulting government be seen as representative of all reactions.
I’m very worried that these elections are going to produce a Shia dominated government that will produce a constitution that is not well suited to the needs of the Sunnis or the Kurds.
Yes, the coming election will test the resolve of the Sunni. Those who vote will need to be very brave. However, that kind of bravery is what builds a nation, bringing differing people together to fight for their right to live in peace within the borders of their piece of the world’s geography.
If the majority of Sunnis don’t vote, you are correct. The outcome will be bad and civil war might be the result. However, I find it implausible that Sunnis will accept allowing the thugs that are now known as insurrgents in Iraq to come back to power. I think the majority of them will bravely go to the polls.
Your sense is that the odds favor a no vote attitude from the Sunnis. If you are correct, that response will merely be the result of terrorism, not a real indication of what the Iraqi Sunnis want for their country. But, fear can win out. That is a definite possibility in Iraq at this juncture. I personally do not believe that will happen. I’m no expert and I’ve seen many experts be totally wrong about a lot of things and the Iraqi transition to a democracy does not really depend on opinions of ordinary people like you and I or so-called Middle-East experts.
The game isn’t over until the last whistle blows and I’m still very optimistic that good will win in the end and democracy will flower in the Arab world. If it doesn’t then, we all lose but mostly the Iraqis.