This one is for all you Middle East Studies/poly-sci types: is there really a complete power vacuum in Iraq if the current regime is overthrown? Are all viable leadership candidates really dead? Or is there someone, either in-country or in exile, who could possibly serve as a non-nauseating and yet effective leader, and who would have some sort of popular legitimacy (i.e. he/she is Iraqi and would not be an openly American puppet)?
If you have a specific individual in mind, please name that individual and explain why you think he/she would be a legitimate and effective leader. If you have only a series of qualities in mind (non-governmental leadership experience or whatever), please name those.
There is already a large, democratic, autonomous Kurdish region in Iraq. No doubt they will be part of a new government.
There are also some high ranking ex-Iraqi officials who fled Iraq who have been working with dissident groups inside Iraq for a long time, and will be returning to help out with reconstruction.
There may also be members of Iraq’s government now that have been working covertly with the U.S., and who may step up after Saddam is gone.
But none of them will become a new ruler, because the U.S. isn’t going to install a new ruler. There will be an administrative government managed by the United States. Leaders will emerge in Iraq through the support of the Iraqi people. Eventually, there will be elections. We hope.
Well i’ve always wanted to run a country. Sim City just leaves a bit unanswered. And i didn’t support this war and put up with you buncha doves just to pass the time.
Honestly, no clue. I guess I agree with Smackfu. I do think the country should be administered internationionally for a short while. A figurehead will likeley be a current anti-Saddam pro-American (preferably) leader, kinda like Afghanistan’s Karzia (sp?)
Don’t worry about it; the Bush Administration undoubtedly has a number of American-friendly candidates pre-selected already. Merely as a convenience, of course.
