Maliki Fighting His DNA in Developing Democracy

The gains in Iraq are all that much more impressive when one understands that the Arab culture is one of personal power and control.  As much as Maliki & Co. say they are attempting to create a working democracy, he and they fighting at least 6,000 years of tribal culture where it is common to keep the masses numb, dumb and poor.

Since the Arab culture is that way, is it not surprising that Islam would contain the same ingredients?  Unlike Christianity, Islam was not founded on principles of loving one another and caring for the widows and orphans.  Islam is based on survival of the family, the tribe, the sect, the Caliphate, the Sultanate, the Emirate, the Kingdom to the extent that any threat to the entity will be dealt with by death.  This is why we see peon migrant labor in Arab countries – a population excluded from citizens who may share in the country’s wealth.  They are not family.  It is why we see radical laws against foreigners.  They are not family. 

Nouri al-Maliki, fighting his DNA

Even if you are part of the Islamic entity, unless you are in a position of control, you are still a peon.  I watched in Cairo while the local Caliph sat in a tea shop like a Godfather in Sicily was visited by his people seeking favors, bowing, scraping, kissing the ring.  For, you see, Islam gives that Caliph or that Emir complete control over your family relations, your job, your position in society and your faith life.  He (and it is always He) has complete power over you and the ones you love.  If he grants you a divorce, a job, a prayer, you owe him.  He can collect the favor at any time.  He will not forget.

Let’s overlay this culture on Iraq.  Maliki currently has ultimate power.  He got the position because he took it and gave others power.  Why hasn’t he hurried to pass out benefits to 4 million poor people?  IMO, his embedded DNA says they should stay that way.  They are easier to control that way.  There is more in it for him if they stay that way.  Why is it so easy for him to delay social benefits?  Because he has several hundred Members of Parliament with the same DNA.  Why won’t he expedite the decision to RI or RV the currency and enrich the entire nation?  Because, in the Muslim/Arab mind, that would allow the common man, the peon, the women, to become educated and economically self-sufficient – which eliminates the need to depend on the parent theocracy – and erodes the Caliph’s power… his ability to be the chosen voice of Allah.  He says he wants to – but his gut says no – but maybe he could have more power if he did – but his ancestors and his Prophet never did – but maybe – but no – but, but, but…

The world is pushing Maliki to make his country’s currency viable on the world stage.  And some day, when the pressure becomes too great, he will do it.  But you can see it in his face… he’s struggling.   It’s against his nature to do so.  Because, Allah forbid, another tribe might benefit as well.