By Ramzy Baroud
Asia Times
"Democracy in the Middle East continues to be a hugely popular topic of discussion. Its virtues are tirelessly praised by rulers and oppositions alike, by intellectuals and ordinary people, by political prisoners and their prison guards. Yet, in actuality, it also remains an illusion, if not a front to ensure the demise of any real possibility of public participation in decision-making.
Bahrain was the latest Arab country to hold free and fair elections. It managed a reasonable voter turnout of 67%. The opposition also did very well, winning 45% of the seats. In terms of fairness and transparency, the Bahraini elections could serve as an excellent example of how "things are changing" in the Middle East....
The great democracy con would not succeed, were it not for the fact that many players, including the US, are so invested in its success. As for the ordinary people, who are eager to see their rights respected, freedoms honored, and political horizons expanded, well, they can always vote - even if only their vote actually counts for nothing, and only further validates the very system they are trying to change."
Asia Times
"Democracy in the Middle East continues to be a hugely popular topic of discussion. Its virtues are tirelessly praised by rulers and oppositions alike, by intellectuals and ordinary people, by political prisoners and their prison guards. Yet, in actuality, it also remains an illusion, if not a front to ensure the demise of any real possibility of public participation in decision-making.
Bahrain was the latest Arab country to hold free and fair elections. It managed a reasonable voter turnout of 67%. The opposition also did very well, winning 45% of the seats. In terms of fairness and transparency, the Bahraini elections could serve as an excellent example of how "things are changing" in the Middle East....
The great democracy con would not succeed, were it not for the fact that many players, including the US, are so invested in its success. As for the ordinary people, who are eager to see their rights respected, freedoms honored, and political horizons expanded, well, they can always vote - even if only their vote actually counts for nothing, and only further validates the very system they are trying to change."
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