STAY THE course: this is the lesson of the Iraq war and the ongoing rebuilding process. On Saturday, millions of Iraqi citizens turned out to vote on the country's constitutional referendum, which is being reported as likely to pass. Despite threats and acts of terror, the citizens of Iraq have shown their commitment to building a better future free of fear and to construct a nation that represents and works for its people rather than coerces and murders them. Nonetheless, it cannot be forgotten that this is a fledgling nation and that for the time being there is still the potential for chaos. It is the duty of the United States and the global community, therefore, to stay the course and to ensure Iraq is able to grow into a stable democracy.
The Iraqi Constitution, which is likely to pass according to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Iraqi officials, will mark a watershed in the rebuilding process in the country by unifying it for the first time in a permanent, democratically elected government. As Howar Ziad of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracy notes, "this constitution accepts the fact that Iraq is a multiethnic, multireligious country." This is critical, because diversity, varying opinions and ultimately compromise are the very essence of the survival of a democratic government. After all, if everyone thought alike and agreed on everything, would need would there be for debate?
Despite Saddam Hussein's claims while he was in power, however, all Iraqis clearly do not agree and do not think alike. The division between the majority Shi'ite Muslims, Sunni Muslims and Kurds makes peaceful discussion and transition of power all the more important, because it is feared by some critics that the passage of the constitution will in fact split the country even further since many Sunnis are opposed to it as they think they will not receive a legitimate share of the country's oil revenues. Indeed, "a two-thirds 'no' vote in three of those provinces" will veto the referendum. This is what some Sunnis had hoped, yet by earliest indications, failed to do.
However, whether or not the constitution actually passes is perhaps less critical than the vote itself, because of the very fact that when elections were held last January for the provisional government, many of the minority Sunnis refused to participate. Yet as CNN reports, "strong participation was reported Saturday in some of the Sunni Arab areas where voters were scarce in January." This is critical, because although many Sunnis were likely to vote against the Constitution, it shows they are nonetheless becoming more open to participation in the emerging Iraqi democracy. As Ziad points out, the election will lead "to two fundamental changes in Iraqi politics: The results of democratic elections are not challenged, and power changes hands peacefully." For these central elements of democracy to happen, the active participation of Sunnis in the new government is absolutely essential.
To the United States and to the rest of the world, the vote on the Iraqi constitution is a turning point in establishing that country's independence from fear and totalitarian rule. Though both the New York Times and the Washington Post reported several more attacks on U.S. and Iraqi forces, overall the vote went fairly successfully and proved that terror would no longer keep the Iraqi people away from the polls As a result, Iraq is on its way to a stable government that can end the threat of insurgency.
Nonetheless, for the near future democracy in Iraq is still in a very fragile state. If the Constitution passes, a new, more permanent government will be elected in December, but until that government is able to gain control of the country there is a possibility of the process being derailed. Critics who call for the immediate withdrawal of troops fail to recognize this possibility and that it is now more critical than ever that the United States and the global community continue to assist in rebuilding.
The vote on the Iraqi constitution is without a doubt a tremendous step towards creating a lasting democratic government in the nation that allows for a loyal minority opposition, and that open debate and the peaceful transition of power can occur. Yet this process is not guranteed to occur, making it more than ever that America and the world must remain committed. Iraq is well on its way to democracy, and it is our solemn duty to guide its way and to help the nation lest it stumble and fall from the path.
Allan Cruickshanks' column appears on Tuesdays in the Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at acruickshanks@cavalierdaily.com
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