If Iraq implodes, who is to blame?
If you have been paying close attention to the Iraqi Constitution debates this last week, then you should know that the Sunnis have rejected the draft, but the Kurds and Shi'ites have agreed to it.Since most of the insurgency is fueled by Sunnis in the Sunni triangle, it appears this constitution will set the stage for massive sectarian violence and increase the probability of a massive civil war.
Over at Slate, Michael Young has an interesting point.
There are those who already blame the Bush administration for the possible chaos that might ensue. Certainly, by invading Iraq, the United States shattered the regional status quo, and few would wager it can turn the present uncertainty there to its favor. But blaming the Americans for breaking the previous stalemate means justifying the [status quo] and believing it could have lasted indefinitely.
This brings up an interesting point...can America be blamed for Iraq's troubles?
I'm leaning toward no because ultimately this rebuild Iraq project has to be done by Iraqis. America has messed up the nation-building part because we've got Secretary of Defense TweedleDum running the show, but ultimately the responsibility for running Iraq falls to the Iraqis.
As Joseph de Maistre said, "every country has the government it deserves."
I hope the Iraqis figure out what type of government they deserve and do it fast.
posted by Expat Teacher @ 9:03 PM
