Quote:
Originally posted by Cowperson@Sep 23 2004, 11:52 PM
Are you saying the results are going to be rigged? 
It looks like even Mucky al-Sadr, if he lives that long, will be a candidate in Iraq. If that guy can be on the stump with his message then anything is up for grabs. I mentioned before a Gallup poll found a slim majority of Iraqi's actually admired al-Sadr but only five per cent would vote for him.
Believe it or not, Karzai actually DOES appear to have widespread popularity in Afghanistan.
The entire world will be watching these two elections with a keen eye. Its unlikely there would be any widespread, systemic fraud to empower a desired result. Chaotic fraud is another thing. Or voters scared away that there isn't enough to give it legitimacy.
You're the guy saying we should admire Muslim culture. I've asked you before why I would offer that respect . . . . but I added that the average Iraqi probably has the same concerns of family, home, security as the average voter in Des Moines.
In fact, if you applied some logical thought to it, nothing would be better for the USA than a more radical government emerging that asks them to leave.
Cowperson
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How about pre-determined? You honestly think that a country that has made an illegal military invasion into another is going to run a straight up "democratic" election in that country? Give me a break. Now you're just trying to stir the pot. Bush is running his guy around Washington right now trying to drum up election support on what a great job he is doing in Iraq. You think for a minute that America is going to continue to support Bush and his BS Iraq campaign without a guarantee? Please, the President of Iraq is on display in Washington, no matter what the election has to say. These elections are not about "establishing" democracy. They are about putting a puppet government in place that will allow the Americans to build the systems that will "hopefully" lead to their form of democracy down the road. This "election" does not establish democracy. Once America vacates the country and a self directed election can take place, only then will democracy be established. Until then, its a puppet government no different that Noriega's was in Panama.
And don't talk to me about respecting Muslims and how this election has anything to do with that when America is occupying their country. Good lord, Muslims are getting no respect anywhere in the west. Ask Cat Stevens.
You know, you can argue that America would look good if a more radical government were elected, but I think they would look stupid. This is why you won't see anything in this election happen that you don't already see right now. The present guy will be President and the "house of representatives" will be elected. The cabinet will be appointed by Bush and Co. and the US agenda will move forward. Anything less than that will make America look stupid, weak and vulnerable from a leadership perspective. Bush will not allow that to happen. His administration lied to get into Iraq, so why no fudge an election? Fits their MO. Look for it to happen.