The Aud Perspective 02.09.07

Posted by Audrey Teagen on 02.09.2007

In her first column for 411 Politics, Audrey Teagen asks if democracy is the type of government that Iraq needs. And if perhaps the answer to that question is no, would that really be so terrible?

An extremely broad overview of our nation's history will tell the tale of the early American people's uprising against British forces. It will show people fed up with taxation without representation by enforced legislation like The Sugar Act and The Currency Act. With liberal ideas and theories such as the social contract on the rise, early American people began to show the desire for a government "for the people, by the people". They began to show desire for what is better referred to as a democracy. Being a young country derived from many cultures and nationalities, much of our national pride comes from the courage and determination our ancestors gathered to overthrow the power against the British and institute a government founded on the grounds of liberty and freedom.

With that established, I venture to ask: where will the people of Iraq's national pride be when they are forced to embrace a government loosely defined as "for the people, by the people"? The portrayal of American troops in Iraq is voluntarily led by the desire to liberate Iraqis from their corrupt leadership and institute a state of democracy. Granted, the horrid displays carried out everyday need to be stopped. Innocent civilians and our military men and women lose their lives in the chaos of a crumbling sectarian establishment that should be classified as a civil war. The actions going on in Iraq can be compared to the atrocities in Darfur, the unbelievable actions of Rwanda. These situations need assistance from a strong country like ours. But are we necessarily taking the right angle on resolving these conflicts and giving the Iraqis an opportunity of a better life? As the toll of both the presumably evil and innocent rise every day, we have to reevaluate and ask, is democracy the type of government that Iraq needs? And if perhaps the answer to that question is no, would that really be so terrible?

The Iraqi nation is a nation that feeds off of its religion. It is a concept that many Americans might not grasp as we continue to develop our own deep seeded culture. Within America, debates ring loud in our ears over issues that so clumsily walk the line of church and state. Our ethics are grounded to puritan beliefs as we approach subjects like abortion, same sex marriage and stem cell research; all while attempting to embrace freedom to the fullest extent. Within our own government we have come to a raging climax in our debates, a definitive ethical line has been drawn between the left and right wings. With that being said, how could democracy possibly be the answer to a nation absolutely defined by its faith in God?

Perhaps it is an issue of helping to liberate the veiled women who, when seen on American soil, send everyone into second glances. Brutality against these women seem to be a common place in Iraq. Restricting rights that Americans see as everyday events; driving a car, speaking at will, feeling sunshine against their lips. But the same book that guides them to bow their heads five times a day toward the city of Mecca is the exact book that outlines their place in society. Iraqi women do not ask to be second to a man, but to live by your religion is to live it completely. The Koran, while it may limit women, also allows them property ownership and allows them rights as well, a fact that is commonly overlooked. While it may be difficult for liberated Americans to grasp, this servility is a cultural commonplace. Brutality against Iraqi women is no more accepted than domestic violence in the states. Seeing as the problem exists on both fronts, is democracy and liberation going to be the answer to this ancient culture?

Plans, plans, plans, plans, plans. This is the answer to every public outcry to the very people that represent us. But all of their plans revolve around freeing the people of Iraq and welcoming them through the pearly gates of democracy. With the amount of money Iraq brings in from their export of oil (which is blatantly obvious from Saddam's plush pad), shouldn't we help them in other ways? Provide a base on which to run an economy, build, build, build. From the ground up, provide the people of Iraq with schools and overly adequate medical treatment. Give them a seed and let them plant a garden, creating an ability to come to their own conclusions concerning government. As an American nation we can teach them to vote, we can give the people equal representation, but the passionate repulsion that the sectarian establishment has created cannot be fettered by American GIs with guns. The Iraqis are chin high in the midst of a social realignment. Their political representation, while corrupt to begin with, has tipped, and while the result is horrific, it's an evolution they must go through.

While I do believe we are on the wrong track for the wrong reasons in Iraq, I support every soldier who put aside their personal life; left their loved ones, left their family, and are overseas fighting for a cause greater than themselves. But what is that cause? To bring democracy to a place that clearly cannot sustain it? To vindicate the lives lost on September 11th? To fight terrorism and keep our country safe? But more importantly, as our fellow Americans lose thier lives, our leaders are in a deadlock for any kind of solution or suggestion, yet are adamant to stay the course, hopeful to win a war that has yet to have a possible resolution.