What Type of Government Should Be Created in Iraq?

The war in Iraq has been underway since the fighting started in March of 2003 and now there is finally an end in sight as our latest military victory in Baghdad demonstrates. Now the question remains is how to create a democratic government for the Iraqi people. As you know, Suddam Hussein created a brutal dictatorship in Iraq and abused his people. He governed by fear and I believe it is the United States' responsibility as well as the responsibility of the rest of the civilized world to establish a legitimate government in Iraq.

As I have told you during previous discussions, I had initially questioned the invasion of Iraq. If Suddam Hussein was a major threat to our country's security or was a world threat, then attacking Iraq would have been justified. However, America's leadership made the incorrect assumption that weapons of mass destruction were being hidden somewhere in the country and therefore it was our responsibility to make the world a safer place by destroying them. Now that it has indeed been confirmed that our intelligence was wrong, it seems like our military has replaced yet another country's leadership like we have done countless times in the past as we did in Iran with the Ayatollah. This has only further angered world opinion of the United States. The United States army played a major role in toppling Hussein and our country must now put a new successful government in place in Iraq in order to justify this war. Such a government must maintain order and stability in the region. I believe that a rational, legal form of government that sociologist Max Weber suggests would be the best government for Iraq. A government in which free elections determine the leadership of the nation is the best legitimate government that can be set up.

The task at hand is not an easy one. Iraq is made up of three different and unique ethnic groups: Shiites, Kurds, and Sunni Muslims. One of the problems in Iraq's history has been the fighting that has existed for control within the country among these groups. The first course of action that we must overtake is maintaining order within Iraq. Violence and terrorism prevent order and stability which is why a skilled and trained Iraqi police force and an all Iraqi army must be organized. That is also why the withdrawal of American troops must be a slow process. American troops must stay as long as necessary to train the Iraqi police and military in how to properly defend themselves. All those who believe in the idea of a unified and free Iraq must step up and serve their country.

The specifics of the new government for Iraq is difficult to determine in that there is so much inner conflict within the country among its religious groups. While a Democratic government has been proposed, I believe that an alternative rational and legal government like a Republic is the best model for the country. A Republican form of government ensures that while the general public has a certain degree of power and can have a voice in the future of their nation, centralized power does not rest in their hands. This prevents people with radical viewpoints from controlling the government. A new government must not allow oppression of any one group to exist. The leaders of the country need to represent the best interests of the people and ensure the future of Iraq. In this Republican government, political parties can be established which represent a wide range of issues and views. In addition I believe Iraq should have a legislative branch of government in which laws would be passed to govern the country. Wealthy Iraqis can be taxed to raise money for the government to pay for a police force, an army, and social welfare programs such as schools and roads. This step is crucial in maintaining a legitimate government that is recognized around the world and supported by the Iraqi people. The legislative branch would also be responsible for setting up a court system to make sure that its citizens receive fair trials and justice is served. The only way for a new government to succeed is if all three religious groups (Sunnis, Kurds, and Shiites) play an active role in the government.

In addition to a legislative body, a figurehead should be installed into the executive branch. While this figurehead wouldn't necessarily have the same responsibility and powers as our president, he should play the role of overseeing the legislative body and play a vital role in maintaining order. A strong central figurehead could unite the country and foster nationalism. The best scenario would be to have a moderate leader coming from the political party that has the strongest representation in the legislative branch.

There has been much talk among the Iraqi people about creating some form of provincial governments. I agree with this idea and like some of its similarities to the system of federalism that the United States government has with its states. However I think the most important concept is the creation of a strong centralized state. A weak decentralized state would be one of the worst outcomes for the Iraq government. Decentralized states lose power and fall quickly as history has shown in Africa with its civil wars. The provinces would be unitary states with limited local power and most of the policies and power would rest with the national central government. Under this system, the provinces would still be able to have their local customs and laws that fit the people living in each province.

I look forward to working with you in the future to set up a successful government for the free people of Iraq.