The
blasting, the fire, the noise, the bodies have all seemingly disappeared,
leaving relatively little grief and even less concern for the majority of the
United States. The peace rallies are generally finished; any public interest
regarding the political well being of the United States has long since been
exhumed by complaints of high gas prices, expensive food, bad weather and
plotting politicians.
Junior
Ellen Stryker emphasizes how ordinary American influence in Iraq has become,
and said, “It’s kind of become an everyday thing. We hear about a civilian
dying every now and then, but it’s not of major concern.”
After
the anticipated capture of Iraq Dictator Saddam Hussein on Dec 13, 2003, the
war ended, everyone could come home and no one would bat another eye toward the
Middle East, at least according to many citizens, not only in America, but
worldwide. As evidenced by huge peace rallies on Saturday March 19, the
anniversary of war’s beginning, many citizens want their military out of Iraq.
Not as many attended these peace rallies, compared to last year, however, they
were quite an affair.
Especially
in America and Britain, activists questioned the legitimacy of the war, as it
was broadcast as protection against weapons of mass destruction. Weapons of
mass destruction in Iraq have yet to be found, leaving civilians and
politicians alike wondering at the severe mistake in the secret services
departments of the U.S. government.
Junior
Jessica Warren is among the critical. “ I don’t support us being in Iraq
because we apparently didn’t have a real reason. They haven’t found any weapons
of mass destruction, so they didn’t have a proven reason or any evidence to
back it up,” she said.
While many oppose
keeping American troops in the Middle East, some do believe they are still
impacting world relations for the better and should remain. “I think they’re
serving a purpose because they are protecting us and civilians of Iraq,” said
sophomore Caitlin Eagen.
Tony
Blair, British prime minister, is under intense scrutiny in his country for his
support of the war because the majority of British voters were opposed.
While
United States President George Bush is under pressure from those questioning
the lack of WMD, many laud him for his nation building. Whether this practice
is one America should encourage, is up for debate.
Junior
Alee Taylor supports the government’s decision to invade Iraq as a humanitarian
means of rebuilding the political situation. “I think it’s a good idea to build
governments. It’s kind of like the domino effect. If we can start building
democracies instead of communist societies, the world will be a better place in
the end,” she said.
On
March 9, members of different religions, economic status and lifestyles met in
Iraq; all were called to join a twenty-five person U.S. appointed council, led
by overseer American Paul Bremer. They were appointed to help plan the future
democratic government of Iraq.
March
9, though, was no ordinary meeting. Five days after the previously planned
date, the three major ethnic groups, Kurds, Sunni and Shiites, agreed to sign
an interim constitution especially guaranteeing freedoms of speech and religion
for both men and women.
Committee
president, Shiite cleric Mohammad bahr al-Uloom, led the fiery negotiations
between the Kurdish people and major Shiite leader Sistani. The Shiites pulled
out of the scheduled signing day, due to attacks on holy sites in Karbala and
Baghdad, which moved the original date from Wednesday March 8. After proving
the Kurds, as a people, did not organize the attacks, the opposing Shiites
relented.
The
second setback originated from the intense, almost inherent bitterness between
these two ethnicities. Sistani refused to sign, thinking the Kurds had too much
power in the government. However, this was rectified after the equality of
representation was reaffirmed to all leaders.
This
document highlights the values and doctrines America wants to plant in Iraqi
government. Emphasizing freedom and equality, Bush seeks to prevent future
dictatorial takeover.
Currently,
the new committee of leaders does not have the complete government control that
still lies with outside coalition provisional authorities, but, if all goes as
planned, the committee will take it’s place, leading the country by June 30.
By
2005, the first actual elections should be held for positions in the National
Assembly, much like the United States Congress and for governates, who will
lead different areas of Iraq.
In
the months following these elections, the system will be under intense scrutiny
by the entire world. As one of the first “nation-building” experiments, it will
show whether a republican, federal, democratic and pluralistic government can
be impressed on another society in this fashion.