A leading Iraqi politician recently stated that while many in the nation desire democracy, it should be understood that the primary objective is not merely creation of a Western style state or order. The culture is still Islamic and, as he explained, democratic reform will prove viable only within that context.
It is unfortunate that we have sometimes failed to recognize that our concepts, thought processes and mindset at large do not necessarily reflect the concepts, thought processes and mindset of much of the rest of the world. We have nonetheless sought, particularly since World War II, to impose Western political ideals upon various regions of the world - becoming almost coercive at times with regard to various "imperial" European governments under whose administration such nations sometimes greatly benefited. The frequently disastrous results can be seen, for example, in much of present day sub-Saharan Africa.
Apart from the perceived issue of American security interests, a somewhat similar lack of reasoned thought would seem to apply to our present Iraqi "democratic process" initiative. Were Saddam Hussein removed from power, the thinking went, all would fall into place. Despite our intentions, good or otherwise, the practical result may well be a further coalescence of virulent Islamic anti-Western bias - the consequences of which promise not only to long remain with us, but almost certainly to play an increasing role in world tensions.
God has favored America with the blessings of a democratic state. It did not come easily, nor was it imposed from without. As philosopher Francis Schaefer was wont to note, America also had roots that ran deep in Christian/Judeo thought and concept.
It makes a difference.
Burl Ratzsch
