Joy in Karbala


Shiites in Iraq are celebrating a pilgrimage to the tomb of Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet. A few quotes from the crowd:

"I am so excited I am able to visit Hussein now without fear."

"We want to decide our fate by ourselves and obtain all of the things we have wanted for the past 35 years."

"Our celebration will be perfect only when the American occupier is gone and the Iraqi people are able to rule themselves by the principles of Islam."

Because of the procession's potential as a political rallying point, successive governments have periodically banned it since the 1930's. During Mr. Hussein's rule many defiant pilgrims were gunned down on the road to Karbala, and just 40 days ago more than 100 pilgrims were arrested on the outskirts of the city as they tried to commemorate the anniversary of Hussein's death, residents said.

You're welcome, folks.


I hope someone tells them that Americans don't really want to occupy Iraq. I know I don't, and I don't think our soldiers want to be there, particularly. We would love it if they would decide their own fate and pursue their own happiness. Just knock off the terrorism and attacks on Israel, and no more jihad.

It's great to be rid of Saddam, but if they elect a government that won't stick to its knitting, or they allow themselves to be dominated by another like him, chances are we'll be back. So they need to take responsibility for their own freedom. They have no tradition of democracy or freedom. It will take a determined effort to make them see that they were not born with saddles and stirrups, that religious leaders are human beings and just as susceptible to corruption by power as anyone else. They cannot be voted out of office, because they aren't usually elected. That's why they should not be trusted with governmental power. I wonder how you say "Power corrupts" in Arabic.

If they're successful, let's bring them back here to teach Americans why they need to break down the federal government and return power to the states and local governments.