[Vienna]

(Original post by Agent Smith)
1. Perhaps, given the lack of choice they were given, the Iraqis decided to make the best of it. With the exception of the Sunnis, whose decision to boycott the election and then complain about its results is spectacularly stupid.

What choice would you have given them? The fact that the Sunni community now wishes to be included in the democratic process is obviously another indication that this is a step in the right direction.

2. Did these polls include many Sunnis, whose average turnout was just 2% (see 1.)? Or were they mainly taken in Baghdad and the Southeast, which are predominantly Shia?

Well, the Sunni turnout was higher than expected and I think its important to stress that while there are multiple ethnic backgrounds, there was one Iraqi election and one Iraqi population. The fact that the Sunnis are also willing to be part of the democratic process suggests that they will support a democratic Iraq.

True, but this is about all the common ground that exists between Bush and Putin over Iran. The Russians trade with Iran and are very reluctant to brand it as Evil; in these two respects there is a pretty wide gulf between them and the Americans.

The Americans and Russians dont wish to see Iran have a nuclear weapon. If the Iranians acquire a nuclear weapon then Russia will be in agreement with any US action to remove that threat. In the meantime, the US supports democratic regime change inside Iran. Russia can either obstruct democracy or work with a new Iranian government if change came about. I think the US would be pleased if Russia adopted a pro-democracy foreign policy.

[Agent Smith]

(Original post by vienna95)
What choice would you have given them? The fact that the Sunni community now wishes to be included in the democratic process is obviously another indication that this is a step in the right direction.

Well, the Sunni turnout was higher than expected and I think its important to stress that while there are multiple ethnic backgrounds, there was one Iraqi election and one Iraqi population. The fact that the Sunnis are also willing to be part of the democratic process suggests that they will support a democratic Iraq.

You think the Sunnis are just trying to get aboard the democracy ship before it sails without them? Plausible.

(Original post by vienna95)
The Americans and Russians dont wish to see Iran have a nuclear weapon. If the Iranians acquire a nuclear weapon then Russia will be in agreement with any US action to remove that threat. In the meantime, the US supports democratic regime change inside Iran. Russia can either obstruct democracy or work with a new Iranian government if change came about. I think the US would be pleased if Russia adopted a pro-democracy foreign policy.

Is it really that simple? I would question the idea that the refusal to work with a new Iran would be 'obstrucing democracy'. Russia may be wary of rushing into agreements with a totally new government. Think of how Britain started out being best buddies with Robert Mugabe. We were wrong; perhaps the Russians don't want to make the same mistake. After all, a country that tried Communism and then dumped it should know all about learning from history and not rushing into things.

[Vienna]

(Original post by Agent Smith)
Is it really that simple? I would question the idea that the refusal to work with a new Iran would be 'obstrucing democracy'.

I was thinking more of aiding and supporting the existing Mullahs against any reform pressured by America.

[Agent Smith]

I doubt that Putin would do that in the light of recent accusations of his being undemocratic - and since opposing political reform in Iran would reinforce that view, it's probably not what he intends.