THE BEST SOLUTION: AN IRAQI UNION! - Plain Talk and a NEW IDEA

Map of Iraq showing the details of the religious and ethnic groups (published by the BBC on 3/31/06, using U.S. government information).

This is the first in a series of “Plain Talk” essays presenting New Ideas and suggestions from Citizen Paul of Goals for Americans. The subject is Iraq — the war and the aftermath. And it presents a simple but Dynamic way for the United States to end our occupation honorably in that tortured Country and to leave them with renewed hope and the possibility for lasting peace and prosperity.

Citizen Paul Flum, President and Founder of Goals for Americans

THE SOLUTION:

First of all, the Bush Administration must accept the futility of its current course of action, and to recognize that the imposition of democratic ideals will never alone be enough to overcome the endemic cultural and religious differences that are fueling the sectarian violence in Iraq today.

Iraqi woman running in terror from a car bomb in Baghdad

We must acknowledge that the status quo in Iraq today is untenable and ruinous for all concerned and a disaster for our international reputation.

I submit that there is one solution and one only! We must recognize that Iraq as it now exists is an artificial entity and unworthy of support.

The new Iraqi Union divided into Three Republics based on ethnicity and religion with the International Capital of Baghdad

I submit that Iraq should be divided into THREE distinct (yet-to-be-named) Countries — one Sunni, one Shiite, and one Kurd — that come together for the common good known as the IRAQI UNION … using the European Union as a model.

I submit that Baghdad would become the International Capital of the Union, with each Republic having its own president and regional and provincial capitals as well.

Iraq is an ancient civilization with a rich cultural history. One of the greatest losses of the War, and continuing cause of grief and unrest, is the loss of such mosques as the Shiite Golden Askariya Shrine in Samarra, which was bombed on February 22, 2006.

Each independent Republic would have its own legislature, judiciary, and executive branch, including a President and Representatives who would meet in Baghdad to conduct mutual International business involving the entire Union.

We must take the responsibility to make this happen for the Iraqi people. And we will invite assistance and support from the UNITED NATIONS, NATO, the EUROPEAN UNION, and the LEAGUE of ARAB NATIONS.

Together, we could convince the warring factions that this is the best solution for all concerned. It may very well be THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION that many Iraqis have already decided on, but don’t know how to promote in the current atmosphere of lawlessness.

The European Union is the successful model to emulate — independent Republics working together for the collective security and prosperity of all.

Map of Iraq showing oil fields, refineries, and pipelines

I submit that Baghdad, as the International Capital of the Iraqi Union, will become the symbol for Middle Eastern democracy and ethnic harmony for generations to come.

And now the dynamic ingredient to make this a reality run smoothly will be the absolute requirement that the TOTAL OIL WEALTH OF PRESENT-DAY IRAQ be divided equally among all of the Three newly formed Republics based on their individual population.

The simplicity of the creation of a Three-Republic Union is a “Deal Made in Heaven.” It allows all three groups to demonstrate their capacity for self-governance, responsibility, and peaceful coexistence with their neighbors while also enjoying the security and International prestige that an Iraqi Union would guarantee.

We started this war and occupation and now it’s time for us to find the motivation, energy, and imagination to change course, before it’s too late. It can be done! And we should provide considerable financial and economic assistance, as should other key countries, just as soon as the fighting subsides and the Iraqi Union comes to be. This demonstrates the POWER OF A NEW IDEA!

In short, the time is urgent and now to prevent a worse Civil War by transforming Iraq into a model Three-Republic IRAQI UNION.

I submit that President Bush, working openly and seriously in concert with our allies, the United Nations, and the key nations of the region, can make this happen — if he finds the courage and conviction to embrace this bold NEW IDEA and DO IT!

Sincerely,

Citizen Paul