Afghanistan Elections
Posted by: 7V on 11 October 2004
It does seem that despite the fact that the elections weren't perfect and, perhaps, not entirely free of corruption, there is some kind of embryonic democracy emerging in Afghanistan. Even the Iranian Foreign Ministry has said that Iran regards the holding of elections in Afghanistan as a "positive move" while the opposition parties seem to be accepting the results as valid.
It took many, many elections for the UK to get our democratic system to where it is today and I'm one of those who believes that even an imperfect electoral system is better than none and can be honed and improved, over the years. There are precedents where countries have become ever more 'democratic' with each election. I hope that the same will hold for the forthcoming elections in Iraq.
So why have the media been so negative over the Afghan situation thus far and why no mention of a positive development on this forum? Have we become so anti-American that we've become blinded to anything positive that might be achieved?
Steve
Posted on: 11 October 2004 by matthewr
Don;t know what media you are reading today buy my Guardian has a report ("Boycott flops as Afghan poll declared fair") and a leader which notes:
"In the case of Afghanistan, the very fact of its holding democratic presidential elections is the most optimistic sign to come from that country for some time. Despite last-minute turmoil when 15 presidential rivals to the interim president, Hamid Karzai, called for a boycott over possible voting fraud, election observers declared the election to be fairly conducted. The sight of long queues patiently waiting outside polling stations on Saturday is some vindication of the international efforts to reconstruct Afghanistan, as is the absence of serious reprisals and violent attempts at disruption that had been threatened by supporters of the Taliban."
Matthew
Posted on: 11 October 2004 by bjorne
quote:
Originally posted by 7V:
So why have the media been so negative over the Afghan situation thus far and why no mention of a positive development on this forum? Have we become so anti-American that we've become blinded to anything positive that might be achieved?
Steve
Steve, from what I understand the situation is still very bad in most parts of the country with different groups fighting for control in their respective areas.
Very positive with the elections though and hopefully can the afghanistani people live in democracy and peace in a not to distant future.
Posted on: 11 October 2004 by Justin
I know. Not one drop of blood was shed, despite the media reporting last week that the Taliban were urging mass disruptions.
I think something is up. Couple this with Sadr's army agreeing to turn in weapons this week (the first time they have determined to do that in like 20 failed and subverted negitiations).
So, what is it? I think it's Bush's precarious election position. I'm starting to think that the insurgents in Iraq, the Taliban and AQ (all of which may be beholden to the same interests) have been called off in order to secure another Bush tenency.
Is this possible? I personally believe these folks want Bush to win - but I'm not sure this is evidence of that.
Judd
Posted on: 11 October 2004 by bjorne
quote:
Originally posted by Justin:
Is this possible?
Justin. Scary thoughts but not at all unlikely..
Posted on: 11 October 2004 by Steve Toy
Al Quada have already stated that in Bush they couldn't wish for a more imbecilic enemy.
Al Quada votes are for Bush.
Regards,
Steve.
Posted on: 11 October 2004 by 7V
quote:
Originally posted by Steven Toy:
Al Quada have already stated that in Bush they couldn't wish for a more imbecilic enemy.
I'd be inclined to treat any conspiracy theories with caution and totally disregard anything that Al Quada says.
I suppose the reasoning might be that Bush's policies help Al Quada recruitment but I don't know whether having Kerry as president would make much difference. He'd be just as keen to demonstrate that he's a 'strong' leader.
Michael Moore and the left have also done very well out of Bush. Do they want him re-elected?
Steve Margolis
defy convention - make musicPosted on: 12 October 2004 by 7V
Despite the threats of violence from the Taliban militants, the Afghan people demonstrated overwhelmingly their strong desire for democracy at the recent elections.
Afghans' embrace of democracy big blow to TalibanIt's a start and, with all the negative stuff going on, I feel really good that 'people power' may offer a way out of some of the terrible situations we see around the world. If the Afghans can move in this direction, why not the Iraqis?
Steve M
