The Art of Politics

To Die For

Americans are willing to die for Iraqi freedom, when will Iraqis be willing?

As Iraq stumbles toward the June 30th transition toward a semblance of self rule, an increasingly loud question is being asked - when will Iraqis step up for Iraq?

It's not enough for Americans to die for Iraqi freedom. Iraqis must do it as well. In this domestic conflict, the side willing to kill, fight, and die will prevail. The terrorists, Baathists, Saddam loyalists, and extremists ALL are willing to kill or be killed. Until it matters that much to Iraqis, hope is dim.

This is partially a function of circumstance - those men likely willing to stand and fight for freedom were already liquidated by Saddam's regime. But fight they must. The real move in American public opinion is caused by seeing Americans die for an ungrateful cause - we will lay down our lives to do what is right, but not for the unappreciative or those who will not help themselves.

The Kurds in the north of Iraq are a notable exception. They have stood by America, and fought hard for their freedom. While the geopolitics have prevented formation of an independent Kurdish state, the US needs to remember who was part of the solution, and who was part of the problem.

Americans are willing to die for freedom. But until the Iraqis are, they will continue to be a ruled people, bound by fear and submission.

Posted by MEC2 at May 3, 2004 10:26 PM