Is democracy taking root in Iraq and Afghanistan - Research Paper Example

Is democracy taking root in Iraq and Afghanistan? Iraq and Afghanistan--two Muslim countries enthralled to a promising democracy, yet, are still subject under political scrutiny. Particularly, the United States initiated democracy for it believes that such would bring more legitimacy and justice into these nations, and would inspire other countries in the Middle East which are, in themselves, victims of the political, social, and geopolitical strife that caused extremism, global terrorism, and violent conflict. Nevertheless, there are still questions as to how well this hailed “democracy” works for both Iraqi and Afghan governments. This paper provides a discussion on the pros and cons that resulted from installing democracy into the political system of both countries. Essentially, this paper argues that democracy has made both countries reap benefits rather than getting disadvantaged. Moreover, there is a detailed discussion on how democracy greatly helps both governments exploit their political strengths and combat against political weaknesses so as to achieve political triumph. At this point, it is worthwhile to cite the five strongest indicators that democracy is taking root in Iraq and Afghanistan; all of which signifies the importance of freedom of expression in the modern society: (1) separation of religion and state, (2) economic progress, improvement in education and formal training, and improved access to leisure, (3) ability to air out grievances and clarify discrepancies in the system, (4) larger and clearer accountability, and (5) liberalism. Nonetheless, democracy has also posed big challenges for both countries: (1) vulnerability to failure of “democracy” experiment, (2) non-compromise with extremists, (3) religious and secular conflict, (4) rise of new insurgents and regional terrorists, (5) lack of security and its effects on women voters and political leaders. Pros--Democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan Almost all of the benefits that democracy conveys point out to the expansion of personal freedom. This is, first and foremost, evident in the changes in the electoral processes. In Iraq, for example, the election voting system was changed from tight voting into an open voting process, thereby allowing voters to directly choose particular candidates. The new election process had elicited positive feedback from the public because of its speedy, organized, and fair procedure.1 Moreover, democracy also improved education and formal training. In Iraq, for instance, the new education minister reopened art classes.2 In Afghanistan, $50,900 was allotted for civic engagement and training on law, human rights, and good governance.3 Also, democracy increased access to more leisure activities, e.g. night restaurants or bars.4 Secondly, democracy created delineation between religion and state.5 The United States has long been endorsing the fact that the unique interests of these distinct entities would most likely result to conflict. Today, there are already initiatives to set apart the two bodies according to roles and functions. Thirdly, democracy allows people to air out their grievances against the government freely. In one occasion, it has encouraged protests in Baghdad’s Al Tahrir Square wherein Iraqis were able to question government services, corruption and the restrictions imposed on the younger public.6 Fourth, it prompts the leader’s great responsibility to facilitate a smooth process in the system.7 If proven that he took actions in favor of few powerful persons against the welfare of the society as a whole, he is held largely accountable. Fifth, democracy has paved Iraq and Afghanistan’s way towards achieving liberalism. Liberalism, which is a key to a successful democracy, has already permeated in Iraq. Results of a large-scale survey conducted on 22 Muslim countries showed that there were no signs of anti-democratic tendencies among Muslim societies. Moataz Fattah, the person behind the statistical analysis of this survey, found out that most of the literate Muslims are not in favor of autocracy as compared to democracy.8 In Afghanistan, promoting liberal values was accentuated during the presidential elections in 2009 wherein Hamid Karzai was hugely supported by the liberal states. This was done in order to have a proponent of an international system; one who values open-mindedness amidst the existence of cultural traditions.9 Cons--Democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan The huge challenges to democracy are almost all related to the problems arising from rebelling secular groups in Iraq and Afghanistan. First, extremist Islamic groups in both countries could bring chaos in the democratic regime. Usually, extremists’ ignorance on the rational assumptions of democracy would lead them to select poor coalition partners, thereby contributing to interest disequilibrium.10 Hence, compromise decisions would not be met. Second, many critics have viewed these nations merely as part of US’ years-long experiments in “democracy-building,” which is very prone to collapse. Afghanistan actually scored worse in one of the electoral process assessments, while Iraq was labeled as “seriously impaired” in terms of violence, civil privileges, and corruption.11 Third is the continuing struggle between religious and secular forces, i.e. political parties that are neither willing to share power nor to play the rules of the new order.12 In Afghanistan, a centralized system posed threats on the power of the president as well as on the effectiveness of state building.13 On the contrary, Iraq’s shift from a central government to a federal and parliamentary system required a delicate process of ensuring that no group had domination over the decisions. Combating against these forces indeed is a burden for the government. Fourth, sectarian violence, insurgencies, terrorism, and militia violence grew in Iraq triggered by the action taken by the Coalition Provisional Authority to dissolve the Baath Party--failing to recognize the need of a unified people. As a result, it disbanded military and members of the government; Sunni Arabs went on for rebellious fiat against Shia and Kurds which were chosen as the foundation for the new order.14 This is one incident of which resulted to a massive trouble in promoting democracy. Last, there is lack of security that caused a decline in the number of women voters as well as those holding parliamentary positions. According to the Freedom house, the US watchdog for Democracy, insecurity has triggered this to happen. The war has inflicted a lot of killings, rapes, and “honor killings,” thereby scaring the women away from employment and education. The decrease on the number of women in the parliament was due to the idea that women lack expertise in political matters.15 Therefore, democracy has worsened women’s position in society. Conclusion “It’s a nice feeling that we’re on the path of real democracy,” a statement by a Kurdish lawmaker Ala Talabani signified that democracy is taking root in Iraq.16 Apparently, the benefits of democracy have overpowered its disadvantages. A change in the electoral process emphasizes a significant milestone for citizens to exercise their freedom. Democracy also improved the system of education and its access to different fields and invoked their right to live freely as well as to become more literate citizens. Employing democracy in both countries also necessitates a clear distinction on the roles played by Religion and the State. This prevents any ongoing conflict that arises among secular and religious groups, thereby preventing insurgencies and violent attacks. Hence, democracy would promote compromise and minimize collision. In addition, having a leader with clear accountability is also best for the society because it ensures that all laws enacted would both serve the interests of all its constituents. Most especially in this modern world, wherein decision-making could already be globalized and many decision makers could be involved in the process, it is very important to have a facilitator who would ensure that all initiatives to nation-building would favor the majority. Aside from this, the issue on women getting disadvantaged is a great indicator of women’s role in the success of democracy. In the future, this would help policy-makers plan actions that take women’s role into great consideration. Finally, the rise of liberalism is a great tool to alleviate the conditions of the once afflicted nation. A citizenry that favors democracy over various types of governments is a huge sign that democracy now is working effectively in the minds of the people; and more importantly, to be conceived as a system that serves them best. NOTES Read More