Vote a key test for democracy

BAGHDAD - Billed as a key test of Iraq's nascent democracy, Iraqis fear today's parliamentary election will lead to a protracted period of uncertainty as the winners and losers try to cobble together a new government - even as American forces prepare to go home.

None of the main political coalitions is expected to win an outright majority, which could mean months of negotiations and more violence despite hopes the balloting will boost efforts to reconcile Iraq's divided ethnic and religious groups.

Iraq's second nationwide election for a full parliamentary term comes at a vastly different time than the first in December 2005.

The U.S., which has lost more than 4,300 troops in the nearly seven-year conflict, has fewer than 100,000 troops in the country and their presence on the streets has all but vanished. The monthly American death toll has plummeted.

Overall violence is down dramatically, although attacks continue and insurgents have threa

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Home Site Map Advertise For Sale Subscribe to our Monthly Email Newsletter	Demokrati Vote a key test for democracy BAGHDAD - Billed as a key test of Iraq's nascent democracy, Iraqis fear today's parliamentary election will lead to a protracted period of uncertainty as the winners and losers try to cobble together a new government - even as American forces prepare to go home. None of the main political coalitions is expected to win an outright majority, which could mean months of negotiations and more violence despite hopes the balloting will boost efforts to reconcile Iraq's divided ethnic and religious groups. Iraq's second nationwide election for a full parliamentary term comes at a vastly different time than the first in December 2005. The U.S., which has lost more than 4,300 troops in the nearly seven-year conflict, has fewer than 100,000 troops in the country and their presence on the streets has all but vanished. The monthly American death toll has plummeted. Overall violence is down dramatically, although attacks continue and insurgents have threa Continue reading the rest of "Vote a key test for democracy" by Athens Banner-Herald © 2009 http://onlineathens.com - Athens Banner-Herald - All rights reserved. Rate This Article: Comment on "Vote a key test for democracy" Your Name Your Comments Verification Code: NQY7XQ Enter Code: Durst: Democracy isn't a Chinese menu, it's a buffet There is only one halfway-decent reason why a mosque should be built two blocks away from Ground Zero in New York. It's called the First Amendment. Myanmar junta releases democracy activist YANGON, Myanmar - Pro-democracy hero Aung San Suu Kyi walked free Saturday after more than seven years under house arrest, welcomed by thousands of cheering supporters outside the decaying lakefront villa that has been her prison. Obama urges allies to help extend democracy's reach WARSAW, Poland - Holding out Poland's transformation to democracy as a model for the world, President Obama on Saturday exhorted Western allies and the American public alike to extend their support, energy and vision to those now reaching for democracy in the Middle East and North Africa. Forum: Democracy breeds our lack of civility In January, the shootings in Tucson in which six people were killed and 13 wounded, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, sparked a national conversation on civility in politics. The following month, the University of Arizona established the National Institute for Civil Discourse to advocate greater civility in all corners of the public square. Forum: Stand with democracy in Honduras The man sitting in Honduran President Manuel Zelaya's chair these days insists that army thugs were upholding the constitution when they rousted Zelaya at gunpoint and put him on a plane to Costa Rica, still wearing his pajamas. Forum: What matters more, rights or life? Americans engaged in the debate about torture are taking part in one of the most important discussions a society can have. If honestly faced, the arguments on all sides may reveal the character and priorities of the country: What matters more, human rights or human life; the rule of law or the security of a nation? So far, however, an indispensable piece for a truly useful debate has remained outside the conversation. Vote a key test for democracy BAGHDAD - Billed as a key test of Iraq's nascent democracy, Iraqis fear today's parliamentary election will lead to a protracted period of uncertainty as the winners and losers try to cobble together a new government - even as American forces prepare to go home.