Damascus Spring

Observers of Middle Eastern politics would tell you that nothing in this land of cynicism and tradition can be simple. As more optimism engulfs the neo-conservative team of the Bush administration of their recent achievements in Iraq, the stakes become higher. Arab governments are closely watching with anticipation every development in Iraq. Iran is betting on the democratic process to bring about a shi’aa majority in the transitional parliament so it can influence the final outcome of the Iraqi government. The irony that the United States by pushing for a Western style democratic process to be established in Iraq, many fear it will bring about Islamic religious conservatives to power where the Mullahs would be the real rulers. This was certainly true when American foreign policy adventures in Afghanistan eventually brought the Taliban into power after the soviets pull out. This was also true in Algeria when after constant political pressure from France the Algerian government caved in

With all the hoopla about the recent success of the Iraqi elections and the tremendous turn out at the polls despite the clear and present danger, the neo-conservatives of the current administration might be premature to exchange the cheers of their successful mission in Iraq. President Bush's description of the elections as a "resounding success" could backfire and prove to be another naive look at the real picture in Iraq. We are yet to see the violence subsides, in fact more than 30 civilians lost their lives on the day of the elections and several explosions and gun shots rocked the corners of Baghdad and other cities in Iraq. On the same day that people went out in droves to defy the insurgents and prove them wrong, many disenfranchised Sunni stayed away from the polls and elected to boycott the elections. The result of this will not be felt immediately but will rather create a slow simmering hatred and resentment among the minority Sunni. American troops should