Iraq: new hopes, old obstacles

From
The BBC

While the rest of world celebrates the new Iraqi government, Paul Reynolds just can't help but pour cold water on the festivities. He tries to poison every story he writes for the BBC. But on the other hand so does the BBC.

Two things happened on Wednesday which have given Washington and London some reason for hope in Iraq - but many other things must happen before that hope can be realised.

First, there was the appointment of the interim Iraqi government which will take over on 30 June.

Second came the presentation of a revised draft Security Council text, which could form the basis of a new resolution giving UN approval to the plan.

Read French and German approval. Seeking UN approval is like asking Al Capone if it is ok to rob a bank. Sure, as long as he gets his cut.

Sure there is a lot of work to be done but isn't any government a "work in progress"?

It hardly seems possible in the few months it will be in office. An interim, appointed government is a start on the road to representative government, but it hardly carries a banner around which all can rally.

That is exactly what it is Reynolds; like the CPA before it! Show me any government on the plantet where all rally around it. Every democratic government has dissenters.

Reynolds, like the BBC he represents just can't stand that Iraq is truly a success story. No one is under any illusion that there are challenges ahead. Turning a 35 year old dictatorship into a democracy in a country that was bankrupt by Saddam is going to take time.

Watching Iraqi democracy arise and flower in the Middle Eastern desert is a beautiful thing to behold. But instead of enjoying the beautiful flower, Reynolds keeps looking for the thorns.
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