Even though it may be some time before the winners are announced, the biggest loser in Iraq’s historic December 15 elections will undoubtedly be Ahmed Chalabi (shown here with a look of utter despair, indignation…disbelief!). And, his shocking failure to win a seat for himself in Iraq’s new National Assembly (to say nothing of winning enough seats to head a new government as was widely expected) will be every bit as newsworthy as the capture of Saddam Hussein, and just as salutary for Iraq’s democracy.
Indeed, in this recent article, I lamented the Bush Administration’s jumping on the Chalabi-for-prime minister bandwagon when it seemed he was navigating Iraq’s Byzantine and internecine political maze with unparalleled skill. But just as Saddam Hussein knew when he seized power (and proved a willing American stooge to destabilize the Islamic Republic of Iran), Chalabi knew that his leadership would be far more secure with America’s blessings.
Almost every political pundit thought, however, that Chalabi had burned his bridge back to Washington after CIA agents accused him of deliberately feeding them the bogus “intelligence” about Saddam’s WMDs that induced America into a “preemptive” war against Iraq. (And, flaunting his courtship with the Mullahs in Iran certainly did not endear him to these pissed-off Americans.) Yet, as I proffered, it seems that after Administration officials realised they could not beat Chalabi (with feckless dirty tricks like arresting him based on equally bogus intelligence about embezzling millions), they decided that they’d better join him.
That’s why we were treated to the unseemly spectacle of Chalabi being fêted all over Washington – on the eve of the elections – like a temperamental mistress whose charms could not be denied…at least in America. Because if preliminary results are correct, it seems the Iraqis have no desire to embrace this conniving political cad!
Alas, Chalabi is still (a) born leader waiting for a country to lead…Note: There can be no more hopeful sign that Iraq’s future will be determined by an informed electorate than the summary rejection of Chalabi as a contender for power.
News and Politics
Anonymous says
“I have never set foot in a courtroom (a fact I take perverse pride in simply because it boggles the minds of my family and friends back home in the islands”.
“Back home in the islands” ! For one who seems so sensitive to sterotypes, how can you have made such a condescending blunder in reference to your own family and friends?
Anonymous says
I remember the way American soldiers ransacked this guys house in Iraq when they arrested him. Then to turn around and welcome him in Washington as the future PM only to have the Iraqis dismiss him as a nobody just shows how screwed up Bush’s Iraq strategy really is.
Great site Anthony. I like the new look and your fascinating bio. How about a picture…please!