Iraqi Elections

[mburbank]

I actually just barely do support these elections, because I think it's the only way we'll ever have a shot at getting out of there, and I think us getting out of there is the only hope they have of ever being able to form a legitimate government.

But, I don't think this is going to be about them choosing anything. No monitors, no voting in areas not controlled by US forces, votes to be counted under our protection and by people we picked...

If there's any outcome where a bunch of people who aren't our puppets and who didn't 'used' to be on the CIAS payroll (We do all know that Allawi worked for the CIA for years, yes?) come out on top I will be very, very, very plesantly surprised.

You know how we'll know if they elections are legitimate? If the winners form a coalition just long enough to ask us to get out. Because taht is the only way I can think of for whichever multiple parties win to establish any kind of legitimacy. Who in Iraq or the region will believe their officials are NOT American puppets if they don't ask us to leave?