Iraqi people are capable of finding their own equilibrium
Many of us seem to have read the same information that has been put out by the mass media regarding the Kurds. These are really the indigenous peoples who have lived in that area of the world since the beginning of recorded history. They have their own language, maintained their traditional mountain living culture living but have never had their own country. The fates of history have not smiled on the Kurds, even though they have played significant roles in many Middle Eastern wars. Perhaps the most ironic to Western history is that "Saladin", born in Tikrīt, Iraq, was a famous Kurdish warrior that fought against Richard the Lion-Hearted in the Third Crusade and kept the Christians from conquering Jerusalem. Funny how these towns in the Middle East have a way of repeating themselves again.
The point is the Kurds, Sunni and Shiite have related to each other for thousands of years. The conversion of Sunni to Shiite, on a large scale, happened relatively recently in Iran (in the 18th century). It happened even more recently in the 19th century in the south-eastern provinces of Iraq. Remember, the people of the region have co-existed together under their own terms.
Western powers are notorious for causing more problems than they solve when they become involved in Middle Eastern affairs. This was true after WWI when artificial border lines were created to carve up the Middle East into countries. It was true when the British occupied the area and tried to establish Pax Britannia in the region using British soldiers to maintain an artificial peace. It was especially true when the Jewish nation of Israel was inserted into heartland of the Middle East. It was true when the US imposed the dictator Shah of Iran on a fledgling democratic nation to ensure the flow of oil to the West did not stop.
What will happen when Iraq is finally given the power to seek its own equilibrium in government? No one knows for certain, but history has shown that the people who live there are not naturally factious or selfish about wanting the whole pie. Left to their own resources, the final outcome in Iraq may very well be superior in the long run than any solution imposed by the US with its military.
__________________
Hobo
Charter member of 'Republicans Who Hate Bush" Club
|