Let Freedom Ring

[prontospyder]

In a monumental first meeting, Iraqi diplomats and exiles?and the U.S. military?discuss democracy in the ancient city of Ur

Sheik Ayad Jamal Al Din, a Shiite cleric from Nasiriya, was the first to speak to the group. He wore the black traditional robe and cap and argued passionately for ?a system of government that separates belief from politics.? He got polite applause.

 

[charrison]

Originally posted by: prontospyder
In a monumental first meeting, Iraqi diplomats and exiles?and the U.S. military?discuss democracy in the ancient city of Ur

Sheik Ayad Jamal Al Din, a Shiite cleric from Nasiriya, was the first to speak to the group. He wore the black traditional robe and cap and argued passionately for ?a system of government that separates belief from politics.? He got polite applause.

That is good news.

 

[BarneyFife]

I was wondering if the people can select their own president instead of deciding from a US picked pool of candidates? What if Mohammed from Basra wanted to run?

 

[LilBlinbBlahIce]

Originally posted by: charrison

Originally posted by: prontospyder
In a monumental first meeting, Iraqi diplomats and exiles?and the U.S. military?discuss democracy in the ancient city of Ur

Sheik Ayad Jamal Al Din, a Shiite cleric from Nasiriya, was the first to speak to the group. He wore the black traditional robe and cap and argued passionately for ?a system of government that separates belief from politics.? He got polite applause.

That is good news.

Baby steps.

 

[LilBlinbBlahIce]

Originally posted by: BarneyFife
I was wondering if the people can select their own president instead of deciding from a US picked pool of candidates? What if Mohammed from Basra wanted to run?

I hope that this appointing and advising that the US is just for the interim gov. and to create some sort of a basic administrative body for stabilities sake. I feel that once the country is stable again, real, independent and internationally monitored elections should take place.

 

[CADsortaGUY]

Originally posted by: LilBlinbBlahIce

Originally posted by: BarneyFife
I was wondering if the people can select their own president instead of deciding from a US picked pool of candidates? What if Mohammed from Basra wanted to run?

I hope that this appointing and advising that the US is just for the interim gov. and to create some sort of a basic administrative body for stabilities sake. I feel that once the country is stable again, real, independent and internationally monitored elections should take place.

I believe that is the stated plan
It is my hope that it works out that way too ...soon
CkG

 

[charrison]

Originally posted by: LilBlinbBlahIce

Originally posted by: BarneyFife
I was wondering if the people can select their own president instead of deciding from a US picked pool of candidates? What if Mohammed from Basra wanted to run?

I hope that this appointing and advising that the US is just for the interim gov. and to create some sort of a basic administrative body for stabilities sake. I feel that once the country is stable again, real, independent and internationally monitored elections should take place.

I am sure this will happen.

 

[Alistar7]

Originally posted by: BarneyFife
I was wondering if the people can select their own president instead of deciding from a US picked pool of candidates? What if Mohammed from Basra wanted to run?

No wonder their is so much opposition, maybe you should research the plan that is in place and moving ahead of schedule before you miss the whole thing.

They will ultimately choose all of their representatives, an Iraqi based interm govt. will draft a national constitution to be voted on by general referendum by the people of Iraq.

The final decisions onthe structure, scope, etc.. will all be theirs, but I would think it behooves them to use a large body where every sub group/culture has a voice and say in all matters, it's not going to work any other way. Quite frankly the way the sunni and shia have banded together on this issue is nothing short of incredible. If this can lead to them maintaining this working relationship they can govern together and live together, what a dramatice change in their relationship compared to how it has been historically. Fuuny how being equally oppressed can make people forget the differences they share. It is also nice to see the religous leaders understand the importance of keeping govt secular and protecting all religous expression and belief.

I for one have been nothing short of impressed by the intelligence of the average Iraqi, the commitment they have to creating a better future for themselves and their country, their pride and determination, and their activism on their own behalf. Already looks like a little slice of America...

 

[BarneyFife]

It is also nice to see the religous leaders understand the importance of keeping govt secular and protecting all religous expression and belief.

Seriously, are you smoking something? All I have seen from Iraq is looters, religious wackos, biggotry, and anti-american protests. They hacked a Muslim cleric to death who came from London. Now that is sick. "Leave our country, we want peace," read one banner. "No Bush, No Saddam, Yes Yes to Islam," read another. Looks real secular to me LOL.

 

[Alistar7]

Originally posted by: BarneyFife

It is also nice to see the religous leaders understand the importance of keeping govt secular and protecting all religous expression and belief.

Seriously, are you smoking something? All I have seen from Iraq is looters, religious wackos, biggotry, and anti-american protests. They hacked a Muslim cleric to death who came from London. Now that is sick. "Leave our country, we want peace," read one banner. "No Bush, No Saddam, Yes Yes to Islam," read another. Looks real secular to me LOL.

"Sheik Ayad Jamal Al Din, a Shiite cleric from Nasiriya, was the first to speak to the group. He wore the black traditional robe and cap and argued passionately for ?a system of government that separates belief from politics.?

Did you even bother to read the original post in this thread? That is the quote pulled out from the article, the only thing offered other than a link.

You see only what you want to see, I have seen just as many thanking the US and praising Bush, waving American flags,etc...

 

[BarneyFife]

Originally posted by: Alistar7

Originally posted by: BarneyFife

It is also nice to see the religous leaders understand the importance of keeping govt secular and protecting all religous expression and belief.

Seriously, are you smoking something? All I have seen from Iraq is looters, religious wackos, biggotry, and anti-american protests. They hacked a Muslim cleric to death who came from London. Now that is sick. "Leave our country, we want peace," read one banner. "No Bush, No Saddam, Yes Yes to Islam," read another. Looks real secular to me LOL.

"Sheik Ayad Jamal Al Din, a Shiite cleric from Nasiriya, was the first to speak to the group. He wore the black traditional robe and cap and argued passionately for ?a system of government that separates belief from politics.?

Did you even bother to read the original post in this thread? That is the quote pulled out from the article, the only thing offered other than a link.

You see only what you want to see, I have seen just as many thanking the US and praising Bush, waving American flags,etc...

Of course you have because the US media only shows you the positive. Iraq is going to be another Afghanistan.

 

[Alistar7]

Iraq already has a large segment of their society living under democratic secular rule, the Kurds have been fairly autonomous since 1991 thanks in large part to US air support of the UN no-fly zone. Shia and Sunni have banded together on the cause of self -rule, if they can get along with each other this will not be like Afghanistan. Maybe I am overly optimistic, but until reality proves otherwise so far they are getting along ok. I think their shared lifetime of oppression under Saddam has bridged past gaps in their historic relationship.

Afghanistan is less than one year away from a fully democratic election and life is far better than it was under the Taliban. For one thing women are now allowed to prcatice medicine, recieve pre-natal care, teach, and go to school, well I guess that was 4. Want more?

The US media shows us the good and the bad, believe me there are plenty of liberal papers who are using this as a campaign against the Bush administration and the GOP, politics play a role when editorial boards and newspapers are private organizations. There is balance in the disparity and quantity, and nothing is left unhashed by either side. What negative apsects of the war are you saying the US media has not reported specifically, I will gladly take 60 seconds to find the links to show you are incorrect.

 

[BarneyFife]

Originally posted by: Alistar7
Iraq already has a large segment of their society living under democratic secular rule, the Kurds have been fairly autonomous since 1991 thanks in large part to US air support of the UN no-fly zone. Shia and Sunni have banded together on the cause of self -rule, if they can get along with each other this will not be like Afghanistan. Maybe I am overly optimistic, but until reality proves otherwise so far they are getting along ok. I think their shared lifetime of oppression under Saddam has bridged past gaps in their historic relationship.

Afghanistan is less than one year away from a fully democratic election and life is far better than it was under the Taliban. For one thing women are now allowed to prcatice medicine, recieve pre-natal care, teach, and go to school, well I guess that was 4. Want more?

The US media shows us the good and the bad, believe me there are plenty of liberal papers who are using this as a campaign against the Bush administration and the GOP, politics play a role when editorial boards and newspapers are private organizations. There is balance in the disparity and quantity, and nothing is left unhashed by either side. What negative apsects of the war are you saying the US media has not reported specifically, I will gladly take 60 seconds to find the links to show you are incorrect.

You couldn't be more wrong about Afghanistan. I was reading an article about how bad the country is right now. The only secured city is Kabul. The whole country is run by various war lords. Karzai sp? is still being protected by US soldiers because he is afraid of being killed. The US State department released a travel warning a couple weeks ago Link The women you are talking about are few and far between. Most women still live by brutal and barbaric Islamic law. You have to realize that Kabul is one small city in Afghanistan and not representive of the whole country which is worse off because of the lack of safety. At least there was no crime during the Taliban and warlords weren't a problem as they were taken of.

 

[NesuD]

Originally posted by: BarneyFife

Originally posted by: Alistar7
Iraq already has a large segment of their society living under democratic secular rule, the Kurds have been fairly autonomous since 1991 thanks in large part to US air support of the UN no-fly zone. Shia and Sunni have banded together on the cause of self -rule, if they can get along with each other this will not be like Afghanistan. Maybe I am overly optimistic, but until reality proves otherwise so far they are getting along ok. I think their shared lifetime of oppression under Saddam has bridged past gaps in their historic relationship.

Afghanistan is less than one year away from a fully democratic election and life is far better than it was under the Taliban. For one thing women are now allowed to prcatice medicine, recieve pre-natal care, teach, and go to school, well I guess that was 4. Want more?

The US media shows us the good and the bad, believe me there are plenty of liberal papers who are using this as a campaign against the Bush administration and the GOP, politics play a role when editorial boards and newspapers are private organizations. There is balance in the disparity and quantity, and nothing is left unhashed by either side. What negative apsects of the war are you saying the US media has not reported specifically, I will gladly take 60 seconds to find the links to show you are incorrect.

You couldn't be more wrong about Afghanistan. I was reading an article about how bad the country is right now. The only secured city is Kabul. The whole country is run by various war lords. Karzai sp? is still being protected by US soldiers because he is afraid of being killed. The US State department released a travel warning a couple weeks ago Link The women you are talking about are few and far between. Most women still live by brutal and barbaric Islamic law. You have to realize that Kabul is one small city in Afghanistan and not representive of the whole country which is worse off because of the lack of safety. At least there was no crime during the Taliban and warlords weren't a problem as they were taken of.

Is that you Morph?

 

[kylebisme]

Originally posted by: prontospyder
In a monumental first meeting, Iraqi diplomats and exiles?and the U.S. military?discuss democracy in the ancient city of Ur

Sheik Ayad Jamal Al Din, a Shiite cleric from Nasiriya, was the first to speak to the group. He wore the black traditional robe and cap and argued passionately for ?a system of government that separates belief from politics.? He got polite applause.

ya that is nice to hear i suppose, i do hope things go well for them. you got my hopes up though; when i saw the title i thought this was something about repealing that fascist document so disgustingly called the "patriot act."