Building a Constitution: Fracture Lines in the New Iraq

By Meredith Carroll
13 May 2005

Since the relative success of the 30 January elections for the transitional National Assembly in Iraq, American and British policy-makers have rushed to claim victory for their project of democratic reform in the Middle East, despite the continued security problems that hinder real stability. However, such enthusiasm for the advent of democracy to a region long plagued by authoritarian leaders must be tempered with a dose of reality. While the January elections may have signaled a new era in Iraqi politics, the path to democracy is far from being fully realized. Overly optimistic judgments are premature, especially in the face of a severe, escalating security situation. The underlying political problems of a past Iraq will not quickly disappear in the new era. Democracy is not an end phase, but a process of decision-making that ensures leaders are accountable to their constituents. The occurrence of the first free and fair elections to be held in Iraq for nearly fifty years is certainly a significant event on the road to fostering a more representative, stable and accountable political culture. Yet elections themselves are not enough.

Copyright © 2012 RUSI Registered Charity (no. 210639)

• Site Map
• Privacy Policy
• Legal Notice
• Site by 4T2