The news about the Iraq seem to be always the same. In the former empire of Saddam Hussein dominates terrorism, destruction and death. Positive news of Iraq are neither in the newspaper nor in television. This inappropriates the reality. In Iraq there exist also positive occurrences. Indeed it is true that these are mostly only small successful stories for example a reopening of a school or a hospital or maybe only new medical equipment. But such events have not any space in the news. It´s seems to be to nonrelevant and these news do not represent the picture of the Iraq that the people have or want to have. Anyhow these prosperities are a step into a better future. However we also have to contemplate the Iraq with a view on the former days. There was a dictator, Saddam Hussein, a tyrant who controlled everybody, who eliminate the Schiites and Kurds, who let rape the women of his opponents, who demolished houses and at last executed thousands of people. And he did not only tyrannize his own country, he was also a big danger for the rest of the world. The first pictures after the conquest of Baghdad from the US-armed forces showed a population felt that their suffering under Saddam is over. There was a folk which celebrated the release from a brutal dictator. Also in 2005 the majority of the Iraq thinks still in the same way. There is a folk who sees a better future. 67 percent of the population have the opionion that their country will turn to a better route. Before the elections January 2005 67 percent of the population supported the elections and 88 percent reported that they will take part in the votings. At the end 58 percent of the whole population voted, which is a good result for a country which makes it´s first experiences with democratic principles. But of course it´s no question that the USA pursued a very high and difficult aim with the democratization of the Iraq and it is also beyond discussion that it will take a lot of time to democratize the Iraq, which was three years ago a dictatorship. In the following essay I would like to discuss the opportunity for the democratizationprocess in Iraq. But at first the essay begins with some aspects about the situation under the Saddam regime, because we can only appreciate the future options when we know something about the history. After this I go on with the contemporary situation in Iraq, with positive and negative aspects about the present democratization process. [...]
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The Situation in Iraq under Saddam Hussein
- Saddam the tyrant
- Contemporary Situation in Iraq
- A state of terrorism and occupation
- Human rights
- Freedom of speech/ Freedom of press
- Elections and the plebiscite over the constitution
- The Future of Iraq
- Minorities in the future Iraq
- The two U.S. Options
- Is a democracy possible?
- The risk of a forced democracy
- Summary
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to explore the possibilities for democratization in Iraq. It begins by examining the situation under Saddam Hussein's regime to provide context for understanding the challenges of the democratization process. The essay then analyzes the contemporary situation, highlighting both positive and negative aspects of the ongoing transition. Finally, it discusses potential opportunities and future steps towards a potentially democratized Iraq.
- The brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein and its impact on Iraqi society.
- The challenges of establishing democracy in a post-conflict environment.
- The role of the United States in shaping Iraq's future.
- The perspectives and hopes of the Iraqi population regarding the future.
- The complexities of addressing minority rights and achieving national unity.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: The introduction sets the stage by contrasting the overwhelmingly negative media portrayal of Iraq with the existence of smaller positive developments often overlooked. It emphasizes the need to consider Iraq's history under Saddam Hussein, highlighting the dictator's tyranny and the subsequent hopes for a better future following the US-led invasion. The author states the essay's intent to explore the prospects for democratization in Iraq by examining the Saddam era, the current situation, and potential future steps.
The Situation in Iraq under Saddam Hussein: This chapter details the oppressive nature of Saddam Hussein's regime. It describes Saddam's rise to power, his ruthless suppression of dissent, and the widespread use of torture, imprisonment, and execution against political opponents and ethnic/religious minorities, particularly Shiites and Kurds. The chapter paints a picture of a state built on fear, where Saddam's omnipresent image served as a constant reminder of his absolute power and the regime's pervasive surveillance. Examples include mass executions, the destruction of family homes, and the systematic targeting of specific groups based on their religious or ethnic affiliations.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Democratization, Iraq, Saddam Hussein, dictatorship, human rights, terrorism, occupation, elections, minorities, United States, post-conflict, transition, political oppression.
Frequently Asked Questions: Iraq - Democratization Challenges and Prospects
What is the main topic of this text?
This text analyzes the challenges and prospects of democratization in Iraq. It examines the situation under Saddam Hussein's regime, the current situation in post-conflict Iraq, and potential future developments. The text explores themes such as human rights, the role of the United States, minority rights, and the overall feasibility of establishing a democratic system in Iraq.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
Key themes include Saddam Hussein's brutal dictatorship and its lasting impact on Iraqi society; the difficulties of building democracy in a post-conflict environment; the United States' role in shaping Iraq's future; the perspectives and hopes of the Iraqi people; the complexities of addressing minority rights and achieving national unity; and the assessment of the possibility and risks of a forced democracy.
What does the text say about Saddam Hussein's regime?
The text describes Saddam Hussein's regime as an oppressive dictatorship characterized by widespread human rights abuses, including torture, imprisonment, and execution of political opponents and minority groups. His rule was marked by fear, surveillance, and the systematic targeting of specific ethnic and religious groups. The text details the pervasive nature of the regime's control and the impact of its brutality on Iraqi society.
What is the current situation in Iraq, according to the text?
The text describes the contemporary situation in Iraq as a complex one, characterized by both positive and negative aspects of an ongoing transition. It highlights the challenges of establishing democracy in a post-conflict environment, referencing issues such as terrorism, occupation, human rights violations, and the complexities of elections and constitutional processes.
What are the potential future scenarios for Iraq discussed in the text?
The text explores various potential future scenarios for Iraq, including the prospects of achieving a stable democracy and the challenges of ensuring minority rights and national unity. It discusses the role of the United States and the potential risks of imposing a democracy without sufficient consideration for the complexities of Iraqi society and its diverse populations.
What are the chapter summaries included in the text?
The text includes chapter summaries for the Introduction and the chapter on the situation in Iraq under Saddam Hussein. The introduction highlights the contrast between negative media portrayals and overlooked positive developments, emphasizing the importance of understanding Iraq's history to assess the democratization prospects. The summary of the Saddam Hussein chapter details the dictator's oppressive rule and its impact.
What are the objectives of this text?
The primary objective is to explore the possibilities for democratization in Iraq. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview by examining the past under Saddam Hussein, the present challenges, and potential pathways to a democratic future. It seeks to offer a nuanced analysis that considers both the positive and negative aspects of the situation.
What keywords are associated with this text?
Keywords include: Democratization, Iraq, Saddam Hussein, dictatorship, human rights, terrorism, occupation, elections, minorities, United States, post-conflict, transition, political oppression.
- Citation du texte
- Sarah Stolle (Auteur), 2005, Democratization of Iraq, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/60557
