You find no larger load of crap about the Iraq election than this one from Kevin T. Keith:
So while there is quite a bit to be pleased about (no one should minimize the courage of the Iraqis. People literally died in order to exercise their franchise), this election was not a success, in that it will not produce a government that will be able to resolve the differences that hang over the country, and it will not produce a government that will be seen as legitimate in enough places to substantially reduce the violence. We are, in fact, pretty much where we were yesterday, with the possible except that civil war ? in the form of a lopsided constitution ? may be closer to day than yesterday.
This is interesting because I’ve read some things from this boy on evolution that were eminently sensible, so I know he’s not stupid. But like many on the left, he’s become emotionally invested in the idea that nothing good can possibly come from the liberation of Iraq, so he has to see a half-full glass as completely empty. There was heavy turnout in 80% of Iraq, and the Sunnis who didn’t vote will still be represented to some degree in the government.
You’ll probably find similar bitterness all over the elite, Bush-hating part of the blogosphere if you care to look; Duncan “Atrios” Black and the arrogant Juan Cole are in severe pain, for example. But I’m not linking additional examples because it’s just too pathetic. This was a great day for the Iraqi people, and the only appropriate thing for us to do right now is share their joy and give them congratulations.
Just to show that not all left-wingers are as bitter and blind as Mr. Keith, check this grudging congratulations from MyDD:
Of course, I know all that it is wrong in Iraq and what could still go wrong – Sunni disenfranchisement/refusnikism, terrible security, very high unemployment, terrible infrastructure, and so on. But for a majority of non-Sunni Iraqis, this election really does represent a step towards a better life, if only in small measure. What, after all, do liberals believe in? Do we not believe in the enfranchisement of the formerly dispossessed and downtrodden? Do we not believe in democratic elections, even if flawed?
And Marc Cooper is similarly sober in his leftist’s assessment of the election:
Those of who opposed this war and who want to see the U.S. troops withdrawn as soon as possible should unequivocally encourage the tenuous political process now underway in Iraq. We should stand for more and better elections, not fewer. We should be encouraging the writing of a fair constitution, an inclusion of the Sunnis into the process in order to reduce the violence, and a bolstering of civil society (as a safeguard against fundamentalism). If we merely write off yesterday’s vote as only potemkin or charade elections we take ourselves out of any serious debate and we degrade the legitimate aspirations of the Iraqi people. Indeed, the more one opposes the war and its pretexts, the more we should support the stabilization of a successful, pluralistic Iraqi state.
Those inclined to sentiments like Mr. Keith’s bitterness would do well to read these whole things.
UPDATE: Podhoretz notes the bitterness:
There are literally millions of Americans who are unhappy today because millions of Iraqis went to the polls yesterday. And why? Because this isn’t just a success for Bush. It’s a huge win. It’s a colossal vindication.
Hah.