Iraq: Without Consensus, Democracy Is Not the Answer


 

Publication Date: February 2005

Publisher: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Author(s): Marina Ottaway

Research Area: Government; Politics

Type: Brief

Coverage: Iraq

Abstract:

The elections were a success, but they do not ensure that Iraqis can now agree on a constitutional formula that accommodates the demands of all groups and keeps the country together. Democracy as separation of powers, checks and balances, and protection of individual rights has not proven enough to avoid conflict in other deeply divided societies. Iraqis will have to confront their differences and negotiate a solution. If they fail, the United States will be faced with a choice of whether to keep the country together by force or get out--and it is better to find out sooner rather than later.