Comments on: Sadrists Under Siege, Both Militarily and Politically

By: Sadr’s Triumphant Surrender — Dean’s World

Sadr’s Triumphant Surrender — Dean’s World — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:07:41 +0000

[...] The same IraqiÂ politicians whoÂ wereÂ so opposed to Sadr they boycotted talks aimed at a peacefulÂ resolution, calling it a “law and order” issue, thus preventing a quorum?Â and that he is in the [...]

By: Dishman

Dishman — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:05:33 +0000

Dean,

unfortunately some people really do see things that way.

I believe the appropriate concept is “confirmation bias”.

By: Dean Esmay

Dean Esmay — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:51:38 +0000

Democracy has been spreading steadily for over a century. Time after time when democratic activists have tried to establish democracy in the Balkans, in Japan, in Germany, in Eastern Europe, in South Korea, in South Africa, and place after place, there have been those who claim that these cultures and societies simply aren’t ready for it, or that they are even culturally incapable of it.

They’re wrong most of the time. But they never seem to notice.

It’s laughable. Al-Sadr is in full flight retreat, and this is evidence that Saddam II is “the best” that Iraq can aspire to? You’re joking, right Snippet?

By: Martin L. Shoemaker

Martin L. Shoemaker — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:41:16 +0000

When I said, â€œBest Case,â€ I meant best POSSIBLE.

In your narrow view of what’s possible, absolutely the best.

By: Snippet

Snippet — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:33:39 +0000

Dave,

I do see what U.S. influence COULD do at one time, in certain places.

Times change.

Also, while I’m not yet certain of it, it is entirely possible that democracy has reached its high water mark, and whoever hasn’t chosen to embrace it at this point in history is like a 40-year old living with mom – a hopeless case.

When I said, “Best Case,” I meant best POSSIBLE.

By: Dave Price

Dave Price — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:56:11 +0000

As the standard of living and income rose considerably in the late 1980s, nationwide demonstrations led to the collapse of the authoritarian government in 1987, and direct and fair elections have been held every 5 years thereafter. Today, South Korea is an established pioneer of stable democracy in Asia, with South Korean citizens enjoying one of the highest level of political freedom and social rights in Asia.[3]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_korea

See what U.S. influence can do?

By: Dave Price

Dave Price — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:54:51 +0000

Which, lets remember, starting out being ruled by a pretty brutal autocrat.

By: Dave Price

Dave Price — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:54:03 +0000

One of my concerns is that the BEST outcome that is within the realm of the possible is, basically, Hussein II.

No, that’s the worst possible outcome. Hussein killed 2 million people and put Iraq through five wars.

The best possible outcome is a continuing liberalization, moderation, and economic growth, something like S Korea.

By: zach

zach — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:53:09 +0000

Snippet,

Sadr himself has urged for a “political solution” to the problem. Though I suppose one could call his being crowned king a “political solution.”

By: CosmicConservative

CosmicConservative — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:26:03 +0000

Snippet: With that sort of cynical pessimistic view of Iraq, I think you have a lucrative career ahead of you in media consulting. CosmicConservative's last blog post..Fitna?