Iraq’s Political Stalemate and Solution to a Promising Future

May 14, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

It has been over two months for the parliamentary elections in Iraq and the nation is without a new government thus far.

Since there is no absolute majority winner, the political parties have been scrambling to form a coalition unsuccessfully.

The situation has created a void in the absence of ruling government allowing insurgency to re-emerge that claimed 119 civilian lives on Monday 10, 2010.

Further, the U.S. troop withdrawal with August 31 deadline and the complete pull out from Iraq by the end of 2011 is contingent on the political stability.

The military perspective is “to hold as many forces on the ground until the need to redeploy them.”

Even though, the security agreement between Iraq and the United States requires the U.S. exit by the end of 2011, that now appears to be improbable from the military officials’ statements.

If this is not a wake up call to the elected officials in Iraq, then nothing can revive democracy in the war torn nation.

The Iraqi election mandate was clearly in favor of a secular representation predominantly seeking an end to the sectarian violence that has crippled the economy and stifled the troop withdrawal.

Despite the secular Shiite leader Ayad Allawi being the front runner in the election with strong backing from the Sunnis and different political parties,

The Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s Shiite alliance with the religious Shiite and Iran is being pushed forward for a second term by those preventing peace to prevail in the country that has lost millions of innocent lives to incessant bombings and shootings.

Such undemocratic maneuvering is provoking the Sunni and other minorities causing immense frustration.

The anxiety is exploited by the militants responsible for the insurgency in 10 cities lately and the foreign troops to postpone departure.

Further, the Maliki government with strong Iranian support has failed to curb the earlier attacks allegedly influenced by Iran arguably polarizing the diverse society.

Iraqis were looking forward to a democratically elected government strong on the economy and national security.

Knowing the leadership that would bring the different political factions together rather than strengthening their own representation is likely to succeed in the national endeavor.

Similar expectations were prevalent among other Arab nations concerned about Iran’s ally – the Maliki government’s consecutive term de-legitimizing the Sunnis and others in the Shiite dominant Parliament.

Besides, the events replicating the political outcome in Afghanistan is evident in Iraq with the killings on the rise and the foreign troops presence extended indefinitely utilizing the political discord and social unrest as the reasons for the decision.

However, unlike Afghanistan, Iraqi election completed its process regardless of the routine electoral complaints for inaccuracy in certain districts, delivering the secular Shiite leader, Ayad Allawi as the front runner and the preferred choice.

Whenever the incumbent administration with the following traits:

In agreement with the foreign troops occupation,

Contributing to the political turmoil by rejecting the democratic results against the electorates will and determined to prolong its power,

That government has a bleak future.

Their focus is centered on remaining in office rather than resolving national issues.

With the lack of consensus during the self-appointed term, not much progress is anticipated in the legislative matter fomenting public disappointment and anger in all directions.

Any political power conspicuously inept at governance with the fragmented political structure in constant disapproval of legislations generates a leadership vacuum.

The dilemma is exemplified in Afghanistan and Iraq, the twenty first century battlegrounds with no end in sight, in the war on terror including the deepening political and national security crisis.

Iraq has tremendous potential to reverse its course due to the vast geographic and demographic advantages that exists.

Enriched in oil, there is enormous economic opportunity for nation reconstruction provided the political system be solidified with the multifaceted representation.

In addition, the Iraqi population is educated and suitably trained in the respective fields for the desirable GDP growth.

The perpetual carnage and destruction exacerbated with the political uncertainty has deprived them of a stunning economic performance.

The Shiite policy associating the present Sunni and other minorities with the inhumane past is detrimental to the country’s future. Injustice against one or the few affects the entire society.

It’s important to recognize one another as an Iraqi prior to any other denomination.

The vengeful act is counterproductive and benefits none.

National unity irrespective of the unique cultural and religious attributes could deal with any internal or external threats and the society thrives in harmony.

Consolidating the talents and resources accelerates the individual achievements reflected in the common goal.

Human beings across the globe share the basic aspirations – freedom, peace, secure jobs, good education, health care access and clean environment.

Anything beyond that is made possible with en masse creative and innovative ideas for greater good.

The Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s visit to Iran and the close ties with the Iranian regime, prominent for human rights abuse and regional threats is a major impediment for a credible majority rule in Iraq under this administration.

Subsequent to the Kurdish political activists execution in Iran on May 9, 2010,

The autonomous Kurdistan in the national politics might face legitimate opposition among their constituents demanding non-coordination with Prime Minister Maliki led Parliament.

Leaving the prospective Allawi administration as the only alternative – a coalition government per the Iraqi constitution.

Iraq is historically a secular nation. Therefore, it cannot afford to let one group be dominant over others as witnessed in the Shiite bloc headed by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Sunni representation in the Parliament is essential to curtail domestic terrorism and enable peaceful existence for the people of Iraq.

Likewise, the Kurdish constitutional rights need to be acknowledged to the fullest extent in a real democracy.

The Kurdish impressive victory in Kurdistan and the disputed areas is well deserved, considering the persisting brutality against them in the Middle East.

Similarly, the secular Shiite leader, Ayad Allawi’s rainbow coalition is the ideal political option for the long-suffering people of Iraq.

Iraq is still experiencing relentless assaults after millions of lives sacrificed in the illegal invasion and occupation.

It’s in the best interest of the people – the Sunnis, the Shiites, the Kurds, the Assyrians and other minority groups to come together and govern Iraq in a democratic system with the secular leader, Ayad Allawi as the Prime Minister.

Without a shadow of doubt, the unified power would promote political stability and national security.

Once that being established, the economic prosperity is inevitable.

The skepticism by Sami Shorsh, the head of the Kurdistan alliance List, regarding the Kurdish rights at the national front is reasonable, based on the isolation.

At the same time, the Kurdistan President, Massoud Barzani emphasis on the Kurdish unity in national issues is prudent. For it would expedite the regional progress and reduce the state’s economic burden through solidarity.

The Shiite and Secular outreach to the Sunni representatives in the formation of the new government is paramount.

It would unequivocally settle the storm that has wreaked havoc in Iraq until today.

Obviously, the people of Iraq could no longer endure the agony and grief in the mass burials that has become the fact of life.

No race or society should be subject to the systemic elimination of the generation anymore.

The leaders in the majority and the minority party across Iraq are urged to put their differences aside and acknowledge one another as an Iraqi first by prioritizing the national development.

It’s obligatory on them to revive Mesopotamia’s once sophisticated civilization.

The people have the responsibility to confirm the new coalition government pledged to united Iraq and committed in their service to all citizens.

Secular Shiite leader, Ayad Allawi adequately satisfies the requirement and the coalition under his leadership is far more realistic and promising.

Iraq war and the continuous violence have erased the possibility of hope among the victims.

It’s time to honor those who lost their precious lives by blessing the living with a functional democracy.

On that optimistic note, Good Luck! To the people of Iraq awaiting,

The dawn of new era with long lasting peace and glory in abundance.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under International Politics 

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