Astounding numbers have emerged from the British Ministry of Defence. The numbers themselves are not surprising but the fact that they were released to the Sunday Telegraph is (see Common Dreams 10/23/05).
Two and a half years into the occupation:
82% of Iraqis are "strongly opposed" to the presence of coalition troops.
72% do not have confidence in the multi-national forces.
67% feel less secure because of the occupation.
45% believe attacks against British and American troops are justified.
43% believe conditions for peace and stability have worsened.
These numbers represent a clear outcome in a referendum on the Iraqi occupation. Combined with a recent poll finding that over 80% of the American public now favors a timetable of withdrawal, the White House can no longer sustain its campaign of endless war on the grounds of democracy. Democracy is the voice of the people and the people have spoken clearly.
You cannot be a liberator if the people you claim to be liberating are overwhelmingly opposed to your presence. You cannot claim the mantle of democracy when your own people oppose you.
The occupying forces (with a proxy Iraqi court) are currently trying the former tyrant of Iraq. If the Iraqi people have their way, the American president will be next in line. If the Plamegate investigation bears fruit, however, they may have to wait their turn.
Random Note 10/23/05.
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