Quote by shinsengumiPeople in countries such as the Iraq of Saddam Hussein truly wanted freedom and the ability to order their lives as they wished. They yearned for democracy, and were willing to risk death to be able to determine their own futures, and indeed some sixty lost their lives because they went to vote on 31 January. The same is true throughout the Middle east; in Iran, student movements have taken heart because democratic governance has taken hold in Afghanistan and Iraq, and likewise in Saudi Arabia, partially in response to what has been going on in Iraq, the government is passing reforms to allow for broader sufferage, allowing women to have a say in government for the first time ever.
your comments about democracy taking hold in afghanistan and iraq have reminded me that there is a possibility that the
bush doctrine to take a preemptive strike in iraq may have a domino effect in the middle east...of course, a very slow
domino effect. there was also a democratic election in palestine after the passing of yasser arafat, egyptian president
mubarak announced free elections for the presidency, and syria pulled out of lebanon (let's hope they don't
revert to violence, which kicked us out due to the beirut bombings).
the vast majority of iran's population is quite young and perhaps they'll push for some democratic
changes.
yes, change in the middle east seems slow, but democracy cannot be established over night. and in this age of 24/7 news channels and instantaneous communication, we expect change to happen at lightning fast speed. i might be incredibly naive for hoping for positive change in the middle east.
i'd like to hear what you guys think if progress there will be possible...and i hope we can keep this civil.. :)