Iraq Press Roundup

Iraqi newspapers discuss the U.S. coming elections on a daily basis. The focus is on the position of the nominees of the Democratic and Republican parties toward the U.S. presence in Iraq.

Barack Obama and John McCain's reference to the cost of the war in Iraq has assisted Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in demanding a timetable for withdrawal, especially after Obama agreed with him, al-Sabaah newspaper of the Iraqi government said Wednesday.

The impact of Iraqi politics on the U.S. elections

Obama agreeing with Maliki on a timetable for troop withdrawal has an impact on the votes of the American public. Although the economic "changes" the nominees promise may determine the votes, the focal point to success relies on a concrete plan for U.S. withdrawal from Iraq.

People of the United States weigh heavily the expenses of the war in Iraq as it has a direct impact on their economy. The expense of the war is a tax the average American pays, the newspaper said.

On the other hand, although McCain has changed his position to support a plan for withdrawal, Maliki still "owns the keys" to the White House. Since Maliki regards the United States as the best friend of the Iraqi people, he might change his opinion, requesting the U.S. forces to stay in Iraq. This could be a serious matter for the nominees, as they would need to change their policies to gain the support of the American people.

Furthermore, Iraq and the United States are negotiating on the Iraqi demands in the long-term strategic agreement between the two countries. However, the Iraqi government has the "ball in its court" by standing up for the rights and interests of the Iraqi people.

In relationship to the security situation, the steps the Iraqi government took since 2007 have helped improve the security situation in Iraq. The Iraqi people sense that the peaceful security situation on the ground is in no need of proof.

Iraqis currently tend to feel safe. They began asking the international world to lift the imposed security procedures that label Iraq as a "red zone," the independent Kul al-Iraq newspaper said Wednesday.

Important security announcements

International companies refuse to implement projects in Iraq. Arab companies disagree on suggestions that would enable them to operate in Iraq. Arab countries refuse to open their embassies there, and many other countries reject invitations to carry out sporting events, even in Iraqi Kurdistan. Such decisions are unnecessary and often illegal.

Announcements by top U.S. military officials that they want to leave the country as soon as possible are clear evidence of the stability of the situation in Iraq. However, U.S. forces would remain in certain bases outside the major cities.

From the other side, efforts from the Iraqi government, the Parliament and the people must focus on encouraging procedures to eliminate signs of a state of emergency. The lack of tanks in the streets of Iraq is proof of actual freedom and security.

Reconstruction projects and employment opportunities for local Iraqis are other ways to facilitate the departure of the foreign forces from Iraq. They also will promote a revival in many areas of the country.

Political parties in Iraq vary. The level of ability to achieve their goals relies on the presence they have in the Iraqi streets. Liberal political parties are one type with very little support. The lack of popular support makes their goals beyond their reach.

The size of the public base that agrees with one party determines its ideology and political agenda, the liberal al-Ahali newspaper said Wednesday.

The Iraqi liberals between absence of organization and stumbling in dealing with the public

The liberal movements in Iraq are one of the most important factors of the Iraqi modern political scene. Through the first and second world wars, several political powers tried to bring change to Iraq. One of those powers that achieved a significant transformation in a relatively short time was the liberal movement.

The liberal movements in Iraq were very active in the 1930s, yet remained as singular movements unsupported by the others. After the overthrow of the Hashemite monarchy in the 1950s, the level of freedom that the liberal movements had began to increase in the colonial environment of the Middle East.

It is wrong to mix the birth of dictatorship with republican governments. The years following 1955 brought about conditions for dictatorship. They brought to the surface one of the most critical stages in the Iraqi political scene as they paved the way for military men to interfere with politics.

The newly born liberal movements in Iraq have the mentality of liberal ideologies only. They have no political or social roots. This, and similar facts, are what made other movements gain a larger role in Iraqi society.

The Iraqi Islamic movement, for instance, has a sectarian attitude. On one hand, it brings in emotional factors as a way to encourage popular support. On the other hand, those factors are unlikely to stay consistent through the problematic increase of unemployment, violence, the lack of development and poor distribution of people's wealth.