You Say You Want A Constitution?

Well, you know, we all want to change the world.

We are told that the new draft Iraqi consitution is the new noble purpose for which now 1,877 and counting young Americans have died. This is to say nothing of the Iraqis. But, as Middle East expert Juan Cole points out in his August 29 post, the document merits at best a grade of "incomplete". It is only "finished" in that they have stopped negotiating about it, and will probably vote today to put it to a popular referendum in October.

Given the way it was accomplished (by essentially giving up on convincing the Sunni negotiators), it seems impossible that the Sunni population will now vote to accept it (which, according to their interim law, they must). Even if, through intimidation or deception, it is formally adopted, the failure to gain acceptance by even accomodationist Sunnis means that it will not bring peace.

The document as written simply delays decisions on the really hard problems of federalism and the fate of the Baath Party. Its internal inconsistencies could well render the guarantees of civil liberties moot. If the constitution is not adopted, the only bandaid holding the country together will be American troops, who are widely despised.

So, you say you want a constitution? Well, you know you better free your mind instead.

DEMOPHOENIX