Random Thoughts From Marybeth

Iraq Elections

Last night I was listening to the radio report about the upcoming elections in Iraq. There was a Baghdad cafe owner who said that his customers were talking about the election but haven't seemed very excited about it.

I'm wondering if this isn't more a case of his customers practicing discretion. Before the presidential election in the U.S. there were Bush supporters who didn't want to advertise that fact when they were out in public for fear of being harrassed or berated by Kerry supporters. Iraqis showing strong interest in the elections or in any of the candidates have a lot more to fear than a little social unease.

I've tried imagining what I would be thinking and feeling if I were an Iraqi citizen. This is close to impossible for me, my ideas about freedom and democracy are too much a part of me to really be able to look at the elections from another point of view.

If I had grown up under a repressive regime, would I value freedom more or, not having experienced it, would I really not understand the value of it? Would I be afraid to vote since it could bring attention that might result in harm to me or my family? Or would I think that it's worth the risk, that by voting I would be taking a step to secure my children's future?

I don't know, but I am still optimistic about the upcoming election. Even if the turnout is low, some people will vote. The bravery of the candidates and of the people who vote won't go unnoticed by those who choose to stay home. It won't go unnoticed in neighboring countries such as Syria either. When people see that they can have a voice in determining the future of their country, whether they learn this by participating in the election or just watching it, I believe that more people will want to have that voice heard by voting in future elections.

“I am ecstatic to have passed through this experience at last. This (election) might cause a difference, not necessarily right away but eventually,” said Sara Masoud, a student who has lived in Syria for eight years.

After the 30^th, when you try to decide whether the elections were a success or not, remember that it's the first free election that most Iraqis have had. Don't treat it as though it were the last.