Iraq elections

However, recent spate of bomb attacks in various parts of Iraq, where well protected areas were breached by suicide bombers taking heavy toll of Iraqi civilians as well as US combat troops, must be the cause of serious concern for all, most of all the occupation forces. What causes us concern is whether elections can be held in free and secure environment where the Iraqis can vote freely without any hindrance or let.

There are some ground realities that cannot be overlooked.

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The means of preparing the electoral roll, of an estimated 12 million voters, leave much to be desired. And, given the security environment, where the Americans can hardly provide security to themselves and certainly not beyond the delimited 'security zones,' one wonders how much security would they be able to provide to the more than 30 thousand polling stations spread over the length and breadth of Iraq. By the US' own admission, the newly formed Iraqi security forces are hardly ready to embark upon security duties on their own.

No doubt, Iraq elections are a test case for the Americans. Holding of elections may redeem some of Bush's lost grounds at home, for whatever that may count for, now that he has a second term under his belt. But holding it under the existing situation will amount to forcing the election down the throat of the Iraqis. Of course, it is quite another thing if what the US wants is not fair election but another Karzai in Iraq.

That will mean very little for Iraqi freedom and even less for its democracy.