Is it just me, or does it seem like for all the talk we’ve heard recently about the elections being the magic potion for peace in Iraq, there hasn’t been much discussion of what those elections actually mean?
No, it’s not just me:
KOPPEL: Despite the positive words from Bush and Allawi, some U.S. officials behind the scenes acknowledge more pessimism that in reality it may be difficult to go ahead with elections as early as January and, if they did, worry whether Iraqis would accept those elections as legitimate — Aaron.
BROWN: Now, the next challenge for you, having tackled this one for us, is to explain the complicated nature of the election itself how they’re — it’s not like they’re going to vote for a president and a vice president and members of Congress. They’re talking about this big block of votes.
KOPPEL: And I can give you a real quick answer. They don’t know yet. I mean a lot of these things have to be — have to be worked out. In fact, they’re thinking people would vote for a party and then the block of parties and then the parties would pick the representatives to go to parliament.
And, it is just — there are so many steps that have as yet to be ironed out. Many people are saying even if security is not an issue, how are they going to lay the groundwork for elections in four months?
So not only do we not know if the elections can be pulled off logistically, we don’t yet even know what Iraqis will be voting for.
But enough of this pessimistic talk. Freedom is on the march, provided Kerry and the terrorists step out of the way.