Rebellion?

Submitted by Tom (United States), Apr 19, 2004 at 11:40

The problem I have with this piece of analysis is two-fold:

1) In general, it is not the average Iraqi citizen that is rebelling against American "occupation." Pools of terrorists, thugs and other Saddam-loyalists have formed in distinct regions within Iraq. The role of thousands Shiite radicals flooding into Iraq pre-War and post-War is well-documented. Of course, for various political reasons the administration has no incentive to disclose or discuss this information publicly. There have been numerous press reports, however.

The role of known terrorists in these "uprisings" is well-documented.

The role of former Saddam-loyalists - not exactly the "average" citizen - is well-documented.

So, if there is some implication that this is a generic "revolt," I would have to disagree.

Instead of focusing on the thousands of organized hooligans who are taking this opportunity to take pot-shots at Western forces, I would be focusing on the millions of average citizens who are shell-shocked by years of torture, oppression and fear.

This is not to say that there are not some "average" citizens firing on the "occupying" forces, but to imply that there is some generic rebellion by these citizens doesn't fit the fact pattern.

2) It is these "average" citizens who we should be focusing on when we talk about the Iraqi desire - or lack thereof - for democracy. Too often the debate over whether or not "Iraqis" want "democracy" focuses on the actions of the aforementioned terrorists and thugs.

I think if we focus on the "average" citizen and keep in mind that we are trying to build freedom for him/her, these discussions would be much more productive.

In the end, I think every human desires some level of self-determination.

Turning to a thug or a warlord to try to build this freedom simply doesn't make any sense.

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