PROSPECTS AND PERILS OF DEMOCRACY IN IRAQ

Iraq is a very important country of the middle and lone of the formidable war machine in
the world is now itself in the flames of war. Tins war which is termed by the people of
Iraq as war of liberation but the occupying forces term it as war against terrorism. But if
one looks at Iraq realistically it is not a war against terrorism. Terrorism laterally means
violence. In Iraq violence is commuted not only by Iraqi people but also by the U.S. and
Allied forces. Fit is a fact that Iraq is an occupied country now aim to end that occupation
various ways and means are used by the people. One of them are the violent ways and
means. A struggle without violence needs a mature political leadership. A peaceful
struggle is a Song and difficult process which needs patience and forbearance on the part
of those who are struggling for the cause of liberation. Only those movements are
successful which arise from the occupied soil. Democracy then is a product of
capitalism. It is suited only for those countries where all the necessary ground realities
support democratic process. Recently elections were held in Iraq. Election under the
shadow: occupying forces, tanks and guns are to a farcical and not real. Because in the
elections only those people can take part who are the supporters occupying forces
overtly or covertly. In do not provide real representatives for the people As ejections do
not reflect the aspirations of the people uien sucu ejections do not satisfy a
common , a.,.. immediate problem of Iraq is to start a political process 1 ne occupying
forces should stop an sons of activities.
They should give an assurance to the people of Iraq they have not come to stay in Iraq but
to leave Iraq. For this purpose a clear cut time table should be given.
for Prospective Headmasters

The Study of Education

Reconstruction of Iraq is another important point. In the name of reconstruction of Iraq

American companies are reaping the benefits and exploiting the natural resources of Iraq.
If Americans and their allies are sincere to a peaceful democratic transition and to
establish a democratic Government in Iraq, reconstruction should be carried out by
people other than Americans and her allies. For reconstruction it is necessary to restore
the sovereignty of Iraq. An occupied country is not reconstructed because no one sees any
future of such a country. In my opinion present elections will add to the problems of the
people of Iraq. It will also make the situation more volatile and complicated for U.S. and
her allies. Presently a large section of the Iraqi public opinion is against these elections.
Further more these elections will make the gap wider between Shias and Sunnis of Iraq.
The participating groups and parties in these elections are Shias. Sunnis, once the rulers
of Iraq, did not take part or have been kept away from the elections. Such elections will
only divide Iraq more on ethnic and sectarian basis. A society divided on such basis never
return to normal position as all the ethnic and sectarian organization and their leaders are
extremists. They never become ready to a compromise and democracy is the other name
of compromise. Radicalism intensifies when the people are denied democratic rights or
one section of the society is given preference over the other as we see today in Iraq. So to
hold real election in Iraq first of all, occupation should be ended as soon as possible.
Secondly, reconstruction of Iraq should be started by people other than US and its allies,
^hirdly, for genuine elections all the sections of Iraqi society should be enabled to take
part in the election. For this purpose a process of dialogue should be started with all shads
and hues of the political outfits in Iraq. Fourthly and most importantly, the national
sovereignty of Iraqi should be restored. For that purpose a government of national
consensus should work for four to five years. Fair and just trial against the former rulers
should be conducted. Baath Party, which has roots in Iraqi society, should be given the
right to carry out their political activities and then it is up to the people of Iraq and not to
the occupying forces to decide the destiny of Iraq.

CRISIS IN BALUCHISTAN

(SUGGESTIONS)

Baluchistan is the largest province of Pakistan territorially. About 32% of the total
territory of Pakistan is Baluchistan. Baluchistan is ethnically a colourful province. About
45 percent of its population are Pukhtoons. Baluchs are divided into Baluch and Brahves.
There are settlers from Punjab and elsewhere of Pakistan. Baluchistan is the most
backward province of Pakistan. It is a rich province due to its mineral resources but these
resources have not fully utilized and their benefits have not reached to the common man.
There are various reasons responsible for this backwardness and deprivation of the people
of Baluchistan. First of all no government in Pakistan has given proper attention to the
development of Baluchistan Pakistan. Thus Baluch have complaints against central
government. In the recent developments in Baluchistan, there is some bad news of some
sad incidents. Sometimes gas pipelines are targeted and sometimes armed forces are
attacked. This situation is very dangerous especially for the developmental works in
Baluchistan. Some steps are recommended in this regard which will make the situation
better.

Firstly, Baluch should be given the realization that Pakistan Army is their own army and
they have not come to Baluchistan to occupy Baluchistan but to safeguard the national
interest of Pakistan.

Secondly, most people feel that being a feudal society, the Government of Pakistan has
given share to certain Baluch Sardars and repressed those who are or Prospective
Headmasters nationalists. This is also a contributing factor to the sense of deprivation in
Baluchistan. The government should ensure the better standard of life of common man.

Thirdly, the People of Baluchistan claim that Mega in Baluchistan have not given any
significant benefits to the people of Baluchistan and that man-power in these mega
projects are all alien people. Another danger for the people of Baluchistan is the, ultura
domination of settlers in Baluchistan as these seitiers buy tortile lards of Baluchistan
which the people of Baluchistan consider it a conspiracy, against themselves. They fear
that they will be made a minority in their own home. Baluchistan National Ltbei.r.ion
army is certainly a reaction against this danger. Gas liom Sui run industries and is used
for domestic consumption of other parts of the country particularly in Punjab and Urban
Sindh but most parts of Baluchistan has been kept deprived of natural gas. All these
doubt. The people of Baluchistan will have to be removed. Land purchase in Baluchistan
by aliens should be stopped.

As Pakistan is a buckwaul country in the field of education and Baluchistan is the most
backward. The young generation of Baluchistan wants employment, services. Similarly,
they claim that their share in Government services is very little.

'!"•> mitigate their sense of deprivation Meps in the fields of-education, employment etc,
are nec^csary to be niken. Women participation is also necessary lo injure progress in B
i'uehisuix Reconnv ;be C-ov-^iiinent has CNkiOh;-,'^*.! .;:• W"M;-.;n i. mversity \\~:
Oner ; auu certain \vomao -.-oiiegcs MI <jth.er pan-, o1:' the province. These are
^^•Ci':(=!•;^.. Mv.-p> but Baluchistan needs more. J-'ui'therrnore, nrmv siiuuid be
recalled from Baluchistnn. A dialogue must iv started \vith ail those who have complaints
against the Central Government. These are the steps which will bring Baluchs to the
national stream and ensure a strong and siabie Pakistan.