Iraq

Iraqi Provisional Elections to be Held in Early 2009

On November 18, Iraq announced that provisional elections are scheduled for January 31, 2009. The last provisional elections were held in 2005. In the upcoming elections, the volatile province of Tamim, located in northern Iraq, will be excluded from the process due to the fact that power sharing between factions is still a concern.

The advancements being made in Iraq involve interdependence, legitimacy and mutual gains, which all help provide security. Interdependence is seen in the fact that Iraqis have adopted more American, democratic efforts and are trying to implement them. For better or for worse, American ideals and procedures are affecting Iraqis and hopefully the elections will be a tangible realization of the progress being made there. Secondly, Iraq will be perceived as a more legitimate, and more stable nation if it can handle these elections. This will help foster even more negotiations and cooperation with other states. Finally, mutual gains are seen. Not only does Iraq benefit by being more politically stable by holding these elections, but the United States can focus more on domestic issues, such as the economy, if Iraq’s insurgency can prove to see the common good present in these provisional elections. Undoubtedly, the Iraqi government understands that its capabilities are limited given the fractured stated of their nation and these elections are preferred over the use of force.

Liberal

http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=182170

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/11/18/news/ML-Iraq-Elections.php

November 19, 2008 at 7:32 pm