Iraq Press Roundup

The presence of terrorism in Iraq takes a big toll on people's lives. The Iraqi people are the ones it directly influences. It turned Iraq into one of the largest battlefields in comparison with other Middle Eastern countries.

In terms of military force, Iraq is ready to confront terrorism more than other countries in the region. It is the Iraqi people, however, who bear the consequences of terrorism and wounds of violence, al-Bayyna newspaper of the Iraqi Hezbollah party said Wednesday.

Why did some areas in Iraq fail to contain the violence?

Iraq was destroyed by the widespread terrorism attacks that have damaged all aspects of life. The country is considered the first among others in the region in terms of the degree of the impact of terrorism.

This emphasizes the notion that Iraq is a country lacking a strong political or security system. Many people inside and outside the country say the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, Defense and the other security forces are responsible for terrorist operations in Iraq. Others accuse the political parties that control the government of carrying out violent attacks against the people.

Some areas in Iraq are "crippled" because of these attacks. In containing violence in those areas, the Iraqi government followed various methods to get rid of the root of the problem. This included amnesty for the armed groups and the release of criminals from detention facilities. This decision is an effort to achieve national reconciliation. With the "end" of violence, the Iraqi government aimed to establish a new Iraq.

The paper produced a litany of incorrect policies the government followed in terrorist safe havens.

Iraqi authorities, for example, didn't produce strong Iraqi security forces in those areas. This encouraged terrorists to use these unsecured areas as a hiding place.

The Iraqi government later released suspects who lacked education or social rehabilitation. That encouraged many to join armed groups to take revenge upon those who arrested them in the first place.

Iraqi authorities also failed to secure the infrastructure. This angered the public as oil pipelines and electric stations were bombed, causing power outages and supply shortages.

Finally, the Iraqi government took no action against the flow of foreign funds for terrorist groups, the main source of the terrorist revival.

Solutions to end terrorism in Iraq are simple but not easy. There is a need to strengthen Iraqis' hand so they can prevent armed groups from exploiting them. The law, on the other hand, must be imposed without exception. Confronting radical ideologies and supporting the moderates is another way to fight terrorism. Developing an active civil society, human rights education, and the role of law will strengthen the position of the government.

Democracy is a form of broad power for millions of people. Many say it is right to consider the history of people as defined by their long struggle for democracy.

People call for democracy in order to end oppression, free their land and guarantee human rights, justice and equality, al-Taakhi newspaper said Wednesday.

Democracy in Iraq stands on one foot.

The historical importance of democracy comes from the advantages it provides to the people. Most countries currently followed the lines democracy draws. Democratic governments are able to leave their "heavy" past behind and find solutions to the problems undemocratic countries are unable to solve.

Democratic governments revive and develop their societies in the fields of science, technology, economy, and political and social balance, drawing a noticeable place in the international community.

Some say that democracy of the West is a result of the Industrial Revolution and therefore cannot be implemented in the Middle East. Yet, if it brings hope for gains in human rights, justice and equality, it is possible to follow its principles in any country.

Countries opposing Western democracy could implement different forms, but still adopt the same general political and social organization.

Most important is to keep human rights, freedom, justice and equality as the top goals for peoples in all continents.

Many governments, however, try to push away implementing democracy in their systems. Since the aim of these governments is to stay in power and control justice, human rights and equality, they try to impose various forms of oppression on people to curb calls for freedom. Such governments are willing to eliminate any social, political or cultural movement that may lead to democracy.

In Iraq, the new Iraqi Constitution is a platform for real democracy. The constitution is the legitimate document for all Iraqis to follow. Any attempt to divide the country is a violation of the very constitution in which the people have expressed their will and place their hope.

The recent attempt of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to escalate the situation in Iraq runs counter to the principles of democracy. Maliki accused the Kurdish Peshmerga of trying to interfere with the main Iraqi army. He also accused them of "exceeding" their capacities and moving to certain areas where he considered their presence illegal.

Maliki is implying a method of oppression in dealing with certain issues. He tries to oppress the Kurds in the same fashion as Saddam Hussein.

Democracy is not a grant that can be given to people who deserve it. Democracy comes from rivers of Iraqi blood. Iraqis played a major role in removing the dictatorship and building a new Iraq. They deserve their rights in exchange for their sacrifices.

The provincial elections are an inescapable matter for the Iraqi people. They should vote to ensure competent representation in their government.

The Iraqi people have a new picture for the coming elections. By participating in the coming elections, Iraqis have a position that will shake the ground in Iraq, the daily al-Sabaah newspaper said Wednesday.

The coming elections and the surprise.

People's refusal to register for the coming elections suggests Iraqis no longer trust the political process. However, refusal to register casts a negative image. Iraqis need to consider other ways of demonstrating their frustration. Boycotting the elections won't change the situation; it would just give a chance for incompetent officials to assume power.

The people who refuse to take part in the coming elections are educated; however, it is more beneficial for them to voice their opinion by participating and electing the best candidates.

The coming vote differs from past elections. Religion, for instance, has almost faded from electoral campaigns. The Iraqi public that was attached to their sects, ethnic groups and religions are liberated from those "chains."

The Iraq of today is taking the right path toward democracy. Sectarianism and religion were characteristics of the past. People look for the services of a political party to provide more than the name of its sect or religion.

The Iraqi people are the party closely involved in the transformational process. It is they who would draw the map of the political situation.