26 December 2006

The cancer runs deep

Like most countries in the Middle East, Iraq just doesn't get democracy. --- Despite ousting Saddam, there seems to be this irresistable urge by anyone in any sort of position of authority, to put a jackbooted foot on somebody's, or maybe just anybody's, neck.

Radical surgery on the body-politic seems to be the only solution.
More than 1,000 UK troops have stormed the headquarters of an Iraqi police unit to rescue 127 prisoners, dozens of whom they had feared would be killed.

The British said the unit was suspected of murder and the rescued prisoners appeared to have been tortured.
Incredibly, the Serious Crimes Unit, set up to investigate major incidents against civilians had instead made itself over as a Death Squad.
The operation showed how closely aligned some police units are with militias and death squads — and the challenges coalition forces face as they transfer authority for security to Iraqis.
It's sad to say, but at this point in time Iraqi society is still so insular, savage and unashamedly tribal that Iraqis can't be trusted to police their own streets.

That's why it's so important to stay the course in Iraq. Without radical surgery, this patient is definitely terminal.

Technorati Tags: , ,