Recent horrible events in Iraq stem from U.S. attempts to impose democracy on an autocratic society in spite of administration protests that “we can’t do it for them.” We went to Iraq, we are told, to share the blessings of democracy. But, the lesson we are teaching the Iraqis is that nothing has changed:

We invaded Iraq on false pretenses, just as Saddam Hussein invaded Iran and Kuwait.

We have arrested those in opposition to our occupation, just as Saddam Hussein did those who opposed him.

We have labeled opposition leaders as “outlaws” and “thugs” and are hunting them down, much as Saddam Hussein did.

We have shut down an opposition newspaper, as did Saddam Hussein.

We have attacked mosques for harboring opposition members, just as Saddam Hussein did.

We have hired armed security guards to protect a select few, just as Saddam Hussein did.

We have raided the national treasury to achieve a leader’s ends, just as Saddam Hussein did.

We have killed and maimed many Iraqi citizens, just as Saddam Hussein did.

By example are we leading the Iraqi people to democracy?

We need a policy that attempts to include opposition groups in the solution rather than to exclude.

We need a policy that aids the development of democratic ideas and institutions that guarantee the freedom to participate to all groups if democracy is to gain a strong foothold and flourish in Iraq.

“We can’t do it for them.” But, a new policy can and will help.
Timothy K. Priestly and Terry L. Mikesell, Auburn

Copy the Story Link