Iraq Press Roundup

Security and the elections

The success or failure of the January provincial elections in Iraq could have a corresponding impact on the security situation in the country.

Exaggerated attempts to control the security situation could have a negative effect overall, despite the short-term impact for the elections, the Shiite al-Bayyna newspaper of the Iraqi Hezbollah Party said Thursday.

The people on the streets may get a sense of impending danger as Iraqi security forces take to the streets en masse regardless of the benign intentions. The Iraqi government has taken to closing streets and bridges and preventing vehicle traffic to provide public security, leaving voters at risk if they are forced to walk to the polls.

Meanwhile, some observers have expressed fear that elements of the outlawed Baathist Party or members of other militant groups may infiltrate Iraqi security forces ahead of the elections.

But, at the end of the day, it is up to the ministries of Defense and Interior to find novel ways to provide security for the Iraqi people.

The main principles for any attempt to national reconciliation

The Iraqi government since 2003 has been engaged in a fruitless effort to find ways to reconcile the differences between various factions and political parties.

Political parties and movements have used the term "national reconciliation" in the broadest sense and according to their own interests, the Kurdish al-Ittihad newspaper said Thursday.

Regardless of the varying interpretations of national reconciliation, these differences pave the path toward overcoming individual motives and the rejection of all forms of repression.

Disputes among the political parties in Iraq will continue unless rivals come to terms with the concept of freedom of expression and democracy when addressing their problems. National reconciliation could also be achieved by recognizing the rights of others, as well as the concept of mutual tolerance and respect for the law.

The elections and democratic openness

The Iraqi people are the least hopeful when it comes to the January provincial elections because of the failed promises of officials brought to power in 2005, al-Sabaah newspaper said Thursday.

Those who refuse to take part in the elections, however, should realize the significance of a second round of elections in Iraq, as democracy and freedom do not equate to apathy.

The people are being pushed by their party affiliation and have something of a dual identity because, while the parties are advocating "democracy," they also are seeking to consolidate power in an exercise of dictatorship.

The political parties in Iraq should understand the current situation requires leaders who are supporters of the people, champions of reconstruction and proponents of a stable and secure Iraq.

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(Edited by Daniel Graeber)