FOOL OURSELVES ONCE

Along Iraq-Iran Border, Memories of War Blend With Hope: In interviews in towns along the porous border, it is clear how intertwined Iraq and Iran are. But, it is also clear that longstanding differences remain. (MARC SANTORA, 5/05/03, NY Times)

In southern Iraq these days, it is rare to see a woman who does not dress in the full-body cover of the black chador. The zeal with which the Shiites now express their faith may not surprise, given the years of repression. But many of the same people who want their religion respected warned that an Islamic government like the one in Iran would not work in Iraq.

Even Mr. Bawi, who favors reconciliation with Iran, said, "We have too many ethnic and religious groups to have one religious ruler."

There is also a fierce nationalism expressed by many here who reject any outsider, Iranian or American. "Iraqis must decide their own future," said Sinan Abdul Sahib.

The intentions of Iraqis returning here from years in exile in Iran, though, are harder to read.

"Our ambition is to have an Islamic government," said Sayed Hassan al-Husseini, speaking for the Supreme Council of Islamic Revolution in Iraq, a Shiite faction aligned with Mohammad Bakr Hakim, in exile in Iran for more than two decades.

The group has officially taken a moderate line. But Mr. Husseini expressed a view that concerns many in the Bush administration. "After the people have tried other governments where they have had no rights and their money stolen," he said, "they are ready for Islamic rule."

It seems likely that the only way to create the long-term conditions and healthy institutions that would support a Western-style democracy would be a period of authoritarian rule, along the like of Attaturk in Turkey or the Shah in Iran--but we aren't going to do that, because democracy is too much a fetish to be allowed to wait until folks are ready. Interestingly, the second best hope for democracy in Iraq could be the example afforded by Iran, where Khomeinism has been a failure. Posted by Orrin Judd at May 5, 2003 7:44 AM