As reported here, three Sunni groups have formed a coalition to field up to 230 candidates in the upcoming elections in Iraq, deciding that they want to play the game, after all. They are also said to be trying to get "insurgents" to lay down their arms, and are pressing the US for a withdrawal. Oh, and to fill space, mention was made of the UN report due out regarding UNSCAM. What that has to do with the Sunni's participating in the upcoming elections escapes me, really, but I digress.
This is actually good news. Participation in the election process by the Sunni's gives all sides a voice in how their government is formed, and will prevent the Shiites and Kurds from having complete domination of the political process in Iraq, a situation that could have had dire consequences to the development of a true democratic form of government.
The other good news, is their attempt to persuade the "insurgents" to lay down their arms. They want the US to withdraw, right? Well, the quickest way to see that happen is if the "insurgents" quit shooting at, and blowing up, people. If they can be successful at this, and if all of the foreign terrorists are rounded up, and if the borders are more effectively sealed against the influx of more terrorists, and if the political process is allowed to fully develop, the need for a US-Coalition presence will disappear, don't you think? After all, that's why we are still there, right?
Those are all big "ifs", but the inclusion of the Sunni's in the political process is a start at dealing with all of those "ifs".
No comments:
Post a Comment