A more reasoned and constructive vision for Iraq

Ayad Allawi, former interim prime minister for Iraq from 2004 to 2005, demonstrates the power of democracy and democratic elections, in this editorial announcing his six-point-plan for the Iraqi political and security future as an alternative to the leadership of current Prime Minister Nouri al-Malaki, and has one of the most constructive visions for Iraq's political and security quagmire that I've read from an Iraqi leader.

A Plan for Iraq

How refreshing to read an Iraqi leader with ideas rather than sectarian allegiance and conflict as his central focus. And how refreshing to read an Iraqi leader place primary responsibility for the situation in Iraq with Iraqis, while making plans for a reasonable U.S. withdrawal that accounts for real security needs on the ground.

He's right, too, as I think about it. The most important step forward in this godforesaken mess is for Iraqis to take responsibility for this situation, even if they might need U.S. help with security until they are able to reasonably be responsible for that situation themselves. If the venom against an American presence is going to end so that presence can be more constructive for security needs on the ground, Iraqis will need to recognize that it is Iraqis who are responsible for the security mess that plagues their country, right now, and Iraqis who will have to be primarily responsible for cleaning it up. The U.S. has much responsibility to take for how they have contributed to this mess. But the security situation is that Iraqis are killing Iraqis, right now. And if that is to change, Iraqis will have to take responsibility for that problem before it can be constructively resolved by a stronger and more effective Iraqi government, with the help of the American government and American military.

Perhaps the hope for Iraq won't come from American decisions, primarily, after all. Perhaps it will come, primarily, from the choices of Iraqi leaders and the electoral choices of the Iraqi people.

And that, my friend, and not the imposition from above, is the way real democracy works.

Love,
Ben