My "democratic" solution to a constitution and peace in Iraq...

[kentuck]

It may not be the "magic bullet", but I think it would be better than anything coming from this Administration. First, if we analyze the problem, the nation of Iraq is divided into three parts : the Kurdish region in the north, the Shiites in the South, and the Sunnis stuck in the middle. The Kurds and Shiites have abundant supplies of oil but the Sunnis have none. However, the Sunnis have the capitol of the country, Baghdad, which makes it improbable to try and divide the country into sections. As an extra obstacle, the Shiites want a religious-run government.

So, they need to find something where all the people benefit. The only thing they have of value at this time is OIL. They need to establish into their constitution the sharing of all wealth from the oil with all the citizens of Iraq. At this time, you have Chalabi in charge of the Oil Ministry, callaborating and negotiating with the huge oil conglomerates. If they can institute a democratic constitution that would share some of the oil wealth with the Sunnis, on an equal basis with the Kurds and the Shiites, that would be the first step. Then they would need to educate the Iraqis that the sooner they can get their oil production up and running, the sooner they will share in the wealth of their country. And that is what they should vote on.

Hopefully, that would stop most of the violence that is headed toward a civil war, if we are not already there. On top of all the proposals, the US should set a timeline to get out, if there is a sign that this proposal is working. I think 6 months to a years would be a good timetable to set.

[Roland99]

1. Sounds great, but that ignores the repressive religious elements.

We've already seen cities like Basra turn into Taliban-esque cities. We cannot let that continue but, what recourse do we have to correct that?

[kentuck]

2. Yes, as I said, the Shiites would like a "religious" government...

But, if they put it to the vote of the people, that could vote for or against that proposal. If they voted against it but for the sharing of the oil wealth, the Shiites would not have the credibility they now have. If they vote for an Islamist government, then that would be their choice. Like I said, it would not be a "magic bullet", but I think it is an improvement over what we have heard from the Republicans. I think the Democrats should consider proposing something similar, with a deadline, contrary to what General Clark says.

[Roland99]

3. Something needs to be done to prevent a fracturing of Iraq.

From what I've read, the majority of people don't mind living as neighbors with Kurds, Shia, Sunni all living together. It's the "moolahs" and the militias that foster divisiveness.

[kentuck]

4. With over 50% unemployment....

Shares of the oil wealth might look very good to some of these people.

[Roland99]

5. Well, good luck prying western oil companies' hands off those profits

Privatizing what's been nationalized for decades is certainly still on the books.

That's one of the biggest selling points the PNACers and the ideologues have been using for each other.

[kentuck]

8. They can nationalize the oil companies in their constitution...

That would shove a stick up Bush and Cheney's ass.

[Roland99]

9. That piece of paper won't hold up in the face of the PNACers

and the U.S. military-industrial complex.

[Roland99]

6. dupe

Lots of these today.

[Roland99]

7. BTW, I haven't read this yet but here's Clark's Op/Ed in today's WaPo

http://ga4.org/ct/WpzKQZd1-Xv_/op-ed



Hmm...upon reading he brings up good points BUT he forgets one VERY important piece of this puzzle: Who's in charge? The * admin and the PNAC ideologues filling various key posts.

Are they going to listen to ANYTHING that runs counter to their pre-planned script (that has gone horribly wrong)? No. They are going to "stay the course" and they "won't waver" despite having a track record of screwing up everything since right after the initial invasion.

Unless people like Clark can get more Republicans (and the Dems that still drag their feet as they're towed by their DLC puppet-masters) on board and VOCALLY and PUBLICLY criticize this administration and offer up these alternatives as the ONLY viable option, then nothing will change.

And, what are the odds of that happening? Slim and none and Slim left town last year.

That's why I say, pull out now. Our troops are of NO benefit in Iraq right now except to hone the skills of insurgents and terrorists.