Just a couple of thoughts about
recent "election" in Iraq:1- The election in Iraq is neither a victory nor a defeat for George W. Bush and
ideology he represents.
At no point prior to
start of this conflict was
establishment of democracy an explicitly stated goal of this administration. That is not why
Senate voted to authorize
use of force and it is not why
American people gave
war overwhelming initial support.
Democracy, if that does in fact come about, would only be a victory for
people of Iraq.
2- Why would a terrorist like Zarqawi or
insurgents attack on a day when
country is virtually shut down?
Zarqawi's goal is not as stated, to destroy democracy. His goal and Bin Laden's, is to create a worldwide conflict between
U.S. and
moderate Muslims. His statements and actions, especially using
Iraqi people, are only a means to an end.
3- Our continued occupation of Iraq is only just beginning.
Barring
Iraqi's telling us to get out of their country, this election is just an intermediary step on
path toward true democracy. It's going to be a long, arduous and unfortunately deadly process. Unless
Iraqi's demand our complete withdrawal
level of our forces will remain for years to come and will be followed by our continued presence through numerous extremely large military bases.
4- People of
liberal persuasion do not welcome or hope for failure in Iraq.
Liberals hope for
best for
people of Iraq. However we recognize that this conflict has brought additional crises to
doorstep of
Iraqi people who have suffered greatly within
past 25 years. We also have faced
reality that
people who have attacked us on 9/11 are literally getting away with murder. The reality of
situation is that
fundamental reasons that created those terrorists that attacked us on 9/11 still exist and
occupation of Iraq has only exacerbated this critical problem. The threat of terrorist attack on American soil is as great as it was
day before 9/11 and possibly even greater.