Is Iraq a Democracy

Democracy in Iraq bears the hallmarks of a political system born in foreign occupation and civil war. It is marked with deep divisions over the power of the executive, disputes between ethnic and religious groups, and between centralists and advocates of federalism. Yet for all its flaws, the democratic project in Iraq brought to an end more than four decades of dictatorship, and most Iraqis would probably prefer not to turn the clock back. System of Government The Republic of Iraq is a parliamentary democracy introduced gradually after the US-led invasion in 2003 that toppled the regime of Saddam Hussein. The most powerful political office—even more so than the president—is that of prime minister, who heads the Council of Ministers. Prime minister is nominated by the strongest parliamentary party, or a coalition of parties that hold the majority of seats. Elections to parliament are relatively free and fair, with a solid voter turn-out, though usually marked by violence. The parliament also chooses the president of the republic, who has few real powers but who can act as an informal mediator between rival political groups. This is in contrast to Saddam’s regime, where all institutional power was concentrated in the hands of the president. Regional and Sectarian Divisions Since the formation of the modern Iraqi state in the 1920s, its political elites were drawn largely from the Sunni Arab minority. The great historical significance of the 2003 US-led invasion is that it enabled the Shiite Arab majority to claim power for the first time while cementing special rights for the Kurdish ethnic minority. But foreign occupation also gave rise to a fierce Sunni insurgency which, in the following years, targeted US troops and the new Shiite-dominated government. The most extreme elements in the Sunni insurgency deliberately targeted Shiite civilians, provoking a civil war with Shiite militias which peaked in 2006–08. Sectarian tension remains one of the main obstacles to a stable democratic government. Here are some key features of Iraq’s political system: Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG): Kurdish regions in Iraq’s north enjoy a high degree of autonomy, with their own government, parliament, and security forces. Kurdish-controlled territories are rich in oil, and division of profits from oil exports is a major stumbling block in relations between KRG and the central government in Baghdad.Coalition Governments: Since the first elections in 2005, no one party managed to establish a solid enough majority to form the government on its own. As a result, Iraq is normally ruled by a coalition of parties—including Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds—resulting in plenty of infighting and political instability.Provincial Authorities: Iraq is divided into 18 provinces, each with its own governor and a provincial council. Federalist calls are common in oil-rich Shiite regions in the south, which want greater proceeds from local resources, and in Sunni provinces in the north-west, which don’t trust the Shiite-dominated governm ent in Baghdad. Controversies These days it’s easy to forget that Iraq has its own tradition of democracy going back to the years of the Iraqi monarchy. Formed under British supervision, the monarchy was toppled in 1958 through a military coup that ushered in an era of authoritarian government. But the old democracy was far from perfect, as it was tightly controlled and manipulated by a coterie of king’s advisors. The system of government in Iraq today is far more pluralistic and open in comparison, but stymied by mutual mistrust between rival political groups: Power of the Prime Minister: The most powerful politician of the first decade of the post-Saddam era is Nuri al-Maliki, a Shiite leader who first became prime minister in 2006. Credited with overseeing the end of the civil war and reasserting state authority, Maliki was often accused—by both Sunnis and Shiites—of shadowing Iraq’s authoritarian past by monopolizing power and installing personal loyalists in the security forces. Some observers fear this pattern of rule may continue under his successors.Shiite Domination: Iraq’s coalition governments include Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds. However, the position of prime minister seems to have become reserved for the Shiites, due to their demographic advantage (est. at 60% of the population). There has yet to emerge a national, secular political force that could truly unite the country and overcome the divisions brought about by the post-2003 events.

Thomas Paine And The Bill Of Rights - 880 Words

Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson and the Bill of Rights are three things that have some sort of connection. Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson both have documents. Their documents were both a result for the rule that Great Britain had over us. The Bill of Rights is also a piece where its writing had to do with a freedom type document written to let others feel free. Thomas Paine was one of the great supporters of the American Revolution. He was a journalist and used his utensils to get the public to break free from Great Britain. When Revolution against the British Empire came, Thomas Jefferson was not JUST ready. Before he wrote his main legendary contribution to the revolutionary cause, he wrote Summary View, the most important contribution to The Declaration of Independence. In 1791, the Bill of Rights, which included 10 amendments, was approved into the constitution. The document’s purpose was to make clear the rights of the people that the government could not trespass upon. These amendments logically became an important part of the original document, making them part of ‘The Supreme Law of the Land. Thomas Paine and Jefferson, as well as the bill of rights, all share a common theme. Thomas Paine wrote secretly, yet spoke to the public on the occasion of him speaking out about his beliefs. The first pamphlet he published, persuading liberation from Britain, was called Common Sense. Paine believed that America needed to break free of the British controls. He was againstShow MoreRelatedSummarize and compare and contrast the English Bill of Rights, the Cahier of the 3rd Estate and Common Sense.1484 Words   |  6 PagesThe English Bill of Rights, the Cahier of the Third Estate of the City of Paris and Common Sense were all written during a time of revolution in their respective countries. Although all three political writings originated in a different country, they each share several important similarities. Each document also addressed specific issues, which the others did not. The English Bill of Rights, the Cahier of the Third Estate of the City of Paris and Common Sense all served as a bridge between their countriesRead MoreCommon Sense By Thomas Paine957 Words   |  4 Pagespamphlet known as Common Sense was written by Thomas Paine in 1776. This pamphlet contributed in promoting the independence of America. In the pamphlet Thomas Paine challenged the American colonists to separate from England and create a democratic and independent society. Along with challenging the American colonists, he hinted at his own opinions about a democratic government that America should plan towards if they seek to separate from England. Thomas Paine also bluntly proposed that the monarchy wasRead MoreThe Enlightenment And The Enlightenment907 Words   |  4 Pagesdespair. Science and reason could bring happiness and progress. Kings did not rule by divine right. They had an obligation to their subjects. Moreover, Declaration of Independence also supported the Enlightenment principles of government advocated by John Locke. John Lockes ideas that people are entitled to their natural rights and that men are created equal contributed to the Declaration of Independence. When Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, he took some from Locke’s ideas and wroteRead MoreThe Irish And Indian War924 Words   |  4 Pagesthe minds of the American colonists that they were only a â€Å"means to an end† for Britain. Thomas Paine would only help to stoke the flames of the coming movement for American independence through his work â€Å"Common Sense† where he brought the hypocrisies and sins of the British government to light along with arguing why the colonies would be better off on their own. Within the contents of â€Å"Common Sense†, Paine would go toe-to-toe with the arguments of colonists who opposed independence in areas suchRead MoreThomas Paines Com mon Sense Essay1149 Words   |  5 PagesIn the work of Thomas Paine, Common Sense Paine mentions throughout of the working for a positive government with the idea of equality. Thomas Paine writes different excerpt that give theories and idea with the goal of implementing those ideas into a government that may be just and fair. Paine reflects on the English constitution specifically the crown. Paine also provide an insight to having a higher power to run a government. Paine also criticizes the idea of monarchy and hereditary successionRead MoreThe s Belief That All Men1295 Words   |  6 Pages On African Slavery by Thomas Paine was available for the public ten months and two days before Common Sense. Despite the difference in publishing dates these two written works provide numerous similarities. For example, On African Slavery is addressed â€Å"To Americans:† (Paine 1) and Common Sense is similarly â€Å"Addressed to the Inhabitants of America† (1). Furthermore, b oth written works address Paine’s belief that all men are â€Å"originally equals† (71). In Common Sense, Paine uses this belief to discussRead MoreThe Separation Of Powers Is The Division Of Political Authority Essay1502 Words   |  7 Pagesexcessively infringes or powerful on the rights of the citizens ( Gray, Kenneth, et.al 2005). The term separation of powers or ‘trias politica’ was formed by Charles-Louis de Secondat, baron de La Brà ¨de et de Montesquieu, an 18th century French political and social philosopher. Spirit of the Laws is one of his publications and considered as one of the tremendous works in the history of and jurisprudence and, political theory; it inspired the Declaration of the Rights of the Constitution and Man and ofRead More`` Common Sense `` By Thomas Paine1202 Words   |  5 PagesAccording to Thomas Paine s pamphlet, he had supported the American Revolution that refers to â€Å"American Independence†. The objective t o write â€Å"Common Sense† is that challenged to the British government and motivated American to follow their own destiny. Furthermore, His written work was the first time that asked for independence from Britain. The inspiration of Thomas came from the suggestion of Benjamin Rush who is an outspoken defender of American rights from Great Britain. Common Sense was bothRead MoreThe Declaration Of Independence And The United States Of America Essay1411 Words   |  6 Pagesevery citizen is granted the right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Furthermore, it marks the turning point in American history where the United States gained its independence from the British Government. The Declaration of Independence argues for the protection of people’s, and to a certain extent, negates government power. Embedded in the Declaration, it states â€Å"whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends (revolution), it is the right of the people to alter or abolishRead MoreThe American Revolution Essay1373 Words   |  6 Pages In the midst of revolution, influential authors Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson each speak volumes about the clear vision that is to become independent America. It is the work of these individuals that one may accredit the characterization of America as it stands in the present day. In a country built on â€Å"life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,† certain values have been deemed favorable by the founding fathers. American political culture has thus been molded into one representative

Adolescence and Mental Disorders Free Essays

Mental health refers to a psychological and emotional state. It is how people think, feel, and act as they face life’s situations. It affects how people handle stress, relate to one another, and make decisions. We will write a custom essay sample on Adolescence and Mental Disorders or any similar topic only for you Order Now Mental health influences the ways individuals look at themselves, their lives, and others in their lives. Like physical health, mental health is important at every stage of life. All aspects of our lives are affected by our mental health. Caring for and protecting our children is an obligation and is critical to their daily lives and their independence. When untreated, mental health disorders can lead to school failure, family conflicts, drug abuse, violence, and even suicide. Mental health problems and mental illness for children and adolescents refer to the range of all diagnosable emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders. They include. But are not limited to: depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, conduct, and eating disorders. Serious emotional disturbances for children and adolescents refer to the above disorders when they severely disrupt daily functioning in home, school, or community. According to studies by Health N. I. (2003), in early to middle childhood, mental illness affects about 1 in 10 children. In adolescent years, the number doubles to 1 in 5 young people. During adolescence, many biological changes are taking place as the child becomes an adult. Many of these changes are physical but emotional, social and psychological changes take place as well. Adolescence in itself brings on emotional highs and lows similar to the symptoms of bi-polar manic depressive disorder. Therefore proper diagnosis of some mental illnesses, unless somewhat severe, can go unnoticed and undetected. In children and adolescents, the most frequently diagnosed mood disorders are major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder. Because mood disorders such as depression substantially increase the risk of suicide, suicidal behavior is a matter of serious concern for clinicians who deal with the mental health problems of children and adolescents. The incidence of suicide attempts reaches a peak during the mid-adolescent years, and mortality from suicide, which increases steadily through the teens, is the third leading cause of death at that age (CDC, 1999; Hoyert et al. , 1999). Although suicide cannot be defined as a mental disorder, the various risk factors, especially the presence of mood disorders, that predispose young people to such behavior are given special emphasis in this section, as is a discussion of the effectiveness of various forms of treatment. The evidence is strong that over 90 percent of children and adolescents who commit suicide have a mental disorder. Bipolar manic-depressive disorder is a mood disorder in which episodes of mania alternate with episodes of depression. According to the surgeon general, frequently, the condition begins in adolescence. The first manifestation of bipolar illness is usually a depressive episode. The first manic features may not occur for months or even years thereafter, or may occur either during the first depressive illness or later, after a symptom-free period (Strober et al. , 1995). The clinical problems of mania are very different from those of depression. Adolescents with mania or hypomania feel energetic, confident, and special; they usually have difficulty sleeping but do not tire; and they talk a great deal, often speaking very rapidly or loudly. They may complain that their thoughts are racing. They may do schoolwork quickly and creatively but in a disorganized, chaotic fashion. When manic, adolescents may have exaggerated or even delusional ideas about their capabilities and importance, may become overconfident, and may be uninhibited with others; they start numerous projects that they do not finish and may engage in reckless or risky behavior, such as fast driving or unsafe sex. Sexual preoccupations are increased and may be associated with promiscuous behavior. Reactive Depression, also known as adjustment disorder with depressed mood, is the most common form of mood problem in children AND adolescents. In children suffering from reactive depression, depressed feelings are short-lived and usually occur in response to some adverse experience, such as a rejection, a slight, a letdown, or a loss. In contrast, children may feel sad or lethargic and appear preoccupied for periods as short as a few hours or as long as 2 weeks. However, mood improves with a change in activity or an interesting or pleasant event. These transient mood swings in reaction to minor environmental adversities are not regarded as a form of mental disorder. All in all, I have concluded that it is definitely more likely for mental illness symptoms to surface during How to cite Adolescence and Mental Disorders, Essay examples