Introduction to International Politics

Foreign Event Analysis

Locale[]
Iraq
Title
Thousands in Baghdad Protest
Summary
In Baghdad, Iraq, thousands gathered in Firdos Square in order to protest the United States and Iraq security deal. The protesters hung a giant picture of President George W. Bush over the spot that once supported a statue of Saddam Hussein, and placed a hood over the picture’s head along with a whip in the picture’s hand. Protesters shouted “no, no to America; no, no to Israel!"
Many of the Iraqis protesting the security deal felt that the deal did not ensure the Americans would actually leave. Although they have a time to withdrawal, the Iraqis feel that they will not necessarily adhere to this time, and occupy the land far longer than they once said they would.
Analysis
The Iraqis see America from a Realist Perspective, while the deal is supposed to portray a Liberal Perspective. The Liberal standpoint is that America feels it can better work out their issues with Iraq and the Middle East not through war. The war has continued long enough and thousands of people, on both sides, are brutally dying.
However, Iraq has always seen America as an intimidating superpower. They see America as a country that gets through loopholes in agreements in order to keep their strong hold on the rest of the world. Iraq is anticipating that there will be longer occupation in Iraq in order to maintain the American power over it, and it’s decisions. Meanwhile we can only determine this once the withdrawal of the troops actually occurs.
Perspectiver
Realist
In-Region URL
http://www.gulfnews.com/region/Iraq/10261475.html
Out-of-Region URL
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/21/africa/21Baghdad.php
Submitted
November 21, 2008 at 10:06 am