The positive aspect of this kind of change is that it is natural. It is the product of interactions, challenges and obstacles that are experienced by communities during long transition periods. Thus, change should be interpreted away from the political biases of one party or another.
One could say that Iraqi society has maintained its sectarian and ethnic divisions through elections but made some changes when it comes to political biases and affiliations. While some forces have gained ground, others have lost within the same group, but the general power balances remained the same for social components.
The accusations made by some enraged intellectuals within Iraqi society, following the choices Iraqis made in the elections, are further proof that Iraq’s problem still lies in the cultural elites who have failed after a decade of change to produce a common understanding between them and the community. This group of intellectuals continued to be estranged from their society, pushing it toward taking huge steps that override democratic and natural development.
It has become necessary today to state that Iraq needs time to bring about change and that the elections will not be decisive and will not serve as a huge democratic leap overcoming all obstacles and shortening the distance to true democracy.
The age of nations is not measured by years. A certain amount of time needs to pass to establish genuine democratic practices, which would prevail over social and economic relations, cultural behavior and political performance.
(Photo Credit: Essam al-Sudani, www.essampxiraq.com)
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