The Fight of the Sheik

This is a big week for Iraq. On 31 January, Iraqis will go to the polls for the National Provincial elections.

It is interesting to see the coverage on Iraqi TV and to see the security preparations being undertaken. For the most part, the Iraqi Army and Security Forces understand the task, and they are accomplishing their mission with a great effort. There is a lot of oversight, but it is like a kid learning to riding a bike without training wheels... US forces are holding the seat and running alongside, and we are about to let go.

The other interesting part is to see the conflict generated by a Democratic Government, particularly with the local Sheiks. For thousands of years the Tribal Sheik held power and governed the region, but now with the advent of this new Democracy thing, the people are going elsewhere (viable political candidates) to get representation. Many sheiks are running for office on all kinds of political party tickets, which gets crazy. There are well over 30 different parties here. Kinda makes makes you appreciate that polarized American system. Give them time, it will smooth out.

But the bigger message is the relevancy of the Sheik... This is an interesting change to the culture. Some see it as a good thing, others not so much.

Sorry, no pics for a while. I broke my camera, but I ordered a new one. Got me an Olympus 1050. Seems the Sony Cybershot couldn't hang. Suck it, Sony-- your camera is crap, it didn't last a year. This one is supposedly waterproof/shockproof/bombproof/dustproof.

We'll see about that....

Take care-
Ron