Posted by
JDComments on Wednesday, December 20, 2006 10:26:20 AM
It is being
reported that Ayatollah Al-Sistani, who is the most venerated Shia leader in Iraq, is receptive to an American proposal to form a more moderate , inclusive Government which will isolate radicals like Al-Sadr whose private militia is a major factor in the sectarian violence.
Like everything about Iraq, the importance of this to the stability of the country is open to debate and interpretation. Sistani is a powerful force among the Shia and having him onboard probably means a realignment in the government will happen, and the Sunnis and Kurds will have more power , or at least feel less threatened.
However, the real story of Iraq is in the streets where the various armed groups are ratchet ing up the killings and bombings, backed by outside sources and internal factions, as they attempt to prevent the will of the majority of the people from being realized and a peaceful , united country to form. To the extent that the current leaders are beholdened to people like Al-Sadr , they refuse to move against him, and even protect him from Coalition forces, and so prevent the pacification of the country which is needed for the healing to begin.
If a new government made up of moderates has the political will and independence to allow the armed forces to finally put a stop to the militias' unbridled rampages Iraq may finally be on the road to national unity and peace, which we are all praying for.
As an aside, I think it is worth noting that the recent reports showing that the Iraqi economy is literally booming may be more important than many have realized. Aside from improving the living conditions of the population, which is fundamental to the support given a government, it demonstrates the faith in the country that those with capital obviously have.
Anytime there is uncertainty or fear, money tends to flee whether it was Russia in the 1990's or Latin America in the 1980's. Investment is conscienceless, and seeks opportunity while fearing and avoiding the losses associated with chaos and violence [yes, there are those who make money in these situations, like arms dealers, but they would not be a major factor ]. Therefore the improving economy is a vote of confidence from the capitalists and financiers in Iraq, and that, too, is a positive sign that should be noted and hailed.