The Middle East Has Not Evolved Enough To Accept Democracy
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The dictionary describes democracy as a government in which the people hold the ruling power either directly or through elected representatives; a country, state etc with such government; majority rule; the principle of equality of rights, opportunity or the practice of this principle.
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The Middle East is primarily seen as dictatorial although it may not be the case. The biggest question that now faces the coalition forces in Iraq is whether a democratic system will sustain in a country which is not used to a democracy.
Most nations that welcome democracy fail in their endeavor because they cannot transition peacefully from one administration to another. Some cultures need a so-called strong man to maintain order and this in turn can lead to a dictatorial form of government, or it can lead to tribal and religious conflicts.
The Middle East is no exception. Iraq has three dominant groups in the country. The majority of Moslems in Iraq are Shia Moslems followed by Sunni Moslems and the Kurds. The Kurds are ethnically different people in Iraq. While Saddam Hussein was in power, he persecuted the majority Shia Moslems as he was a Sunni Moslem.
Democracy in Middle East and Iraq means that it would be inevitable that the Shia Moslems will dominate the government and Shia might end up becoming the president. This could lead to the formation of a theocratic government similar to Iran.
It would be sad day for the Middle East and Iraq if the elected government of Iraq ultimately becomes an Iranian-style theocracy. This would put paid to all the efforts the U.S.-led coalition is been doing.
Many people believe that the Middle East has not evolved enough to accept democracy because they do not have the same cultural ideals that have helped preserved democracy in the Anglo Saxon world.
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