Islam and democracy, like oil and water.

Submitted by Bill Sweeney (United States), Apr 14, 2004 at 12:42

I've always believed that President Bush's intentions in Iraq were good. But I've never believed that an Islamic nation could become a self-governed democracy. I don't believe that Turkey proves my belief false, as the West has had to prop them up militarily and financially on a continual basis. How many Muslim nations can we baby-sit permanently?

Iraq is even more difficult because loyalty to sect & clan is even stronger there than in most Muslim nations. In fact, their sect & clan (to them) is their nation. The Sunnis don't care about getting along with the Shiites for example; unity with other branches of Islam is the furthest thing from their minds. They're only playing nice because we're forcing them to play along for the cameras. The Shiites have 30+ years of pent-up anger towards the Sunnis. Many Shiites don't hate America merely because we're Christian, but also because we're keeping them from their revenge.

Bill Sweeney
Texas

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