Democracy in the Middle East

Palestine:
On the surface, two-thirds of Palestinians taking part in elections and overcoming the impasse which saw the late Yasser Arafat's influence dwindle to insignificance, promises to herald the dawn of a new era.

What is more important now is not necessarily whether America, Israel or even Britain is encouraged by voter turnout. Indeed, even the slogan that Palestine is now the second democracy in the Middle East after Israel is just merely that: a slogan.

What would change ground reality but unfortunately is not forthcoming is the issue of whether the Palestinians can have a state where the capital is East Jerusalem, where they can settle back to their 1967 borders and resolve the right to return of Palestinian refugees.
The sheer weakness of the Palestinian's bargaining position would ensure progress was modest, no matter how much democracy flourishes or insurance policies are given against suicide bombers.

What many Muslims are gradually realising is that this so-called intractable problem will have to be addressed involving the Muslim world at large.

Let's face it, if Israel is sponsored by the United States then it is only correct and proper for the Palestinians to negotiate their plight under a wider umbrella.

Iraq:
As the Shias unite under the banner 'United Iraqi Alliance' and eagerly await the end of this month, the Sunnis at their most optimistic have mixed feelings.

While the country is on fire and many commentators categorically opining that the Americans are incapable of stemming the violence, some even describing the current scenario as all out war between 150,000 soldiers and their allies (Iraqi police etc.) against over 200,000 'insurgents'. the imposition of nationwide elections looks and feels desperate.

Iyad Allawi's tone has changed over the months from aggression to virtual resignation in the wake of scores of police and 'special commandos' perishing under attack. However, foreseeing the elections as a panacea only further confuses and exacerbates the situation rather than helping it.