U.S. Is Said to Urge Its Iraqi Allies to Unite for Election

[maddezmom]

BAGHDAD — While publicly stressing the need for Iraqis to control their own destiny, the Bush administration is working behind the scenes to coax its closest Iraqi allies into a coalition that could dominate elections scheduled for January.


U.S. authorities in Washington and Iraqi politicians confirmed that top White House officials have told leaders of the six major parties that were on the U.S.-appointed Iraqi Governing Council that it would be in the groups' common interest to present a unified electoral slate.


The U.S. effort to influence the parliamentary elections is highly sensitive, coming at a time when President Bush (news - web sites) daily expresses his desire to bring liberty and democracy to a nation that for decades has known only authoritarian rule. But the White House move stems from concerns that neighboring Iran is using its money and influence to try to sway the elections in its favor.


One U.S. official in Washington said the administration now believes Iraq (news - web sites) needs a "negotiated resolution … a scaled-back democratic process."

more: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/latimests/20041025/ts_latimes/usissaidtourgeitsiraqialliestouniteforelection&cid=2026&ncid=1480

How would * define a scaled-back democracy???? Let's see, the folks the US likes get to vote for the folks the US pick.

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. How would * define a scaled-back democracy?

Florida 2000, perhaps?

Between the two conflicting key goals, "I see the arguments for stability now outweighing the calls for democracy," said the official, who declined to be identified.

[maddezmom]

2. spot on muriel