Re: [Marxism] Saddam and Baathists vs radical Iraqi nationalism

[David McDonald <dbmcdonald@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> From: "David Quarter" <davidquarter@xxxxxxxxxxxx> Reply-To: Activists and
> scholars in Marxist tradition <marxism@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Date: Wed, 17 Dec
> 2003 18:31:52 -0500 To: Activists and scholars in Marxist
> tradition <marxism@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Subject: RE:[Marxism] Saddam and
> Baathists vs radical Iraqi nationalism
>
David Q, responding to M Junaid Alam:


> any evidence of this "split"?
>
> David McDonald:
>
Tons. The US is recruiting former Baathists like no tomorrow, for police,
for spies, and I don't know what else but imagine many, many things. At the
same time, it's clear as Mohammed argues, that lots of middle-level
Baathists are opposed to the occupation. Bush calls the resistance Baathist
remnants, but there can be no doubt after yesterday's demonstrations that a
portion of the opponents of the occupation are Baathists. sanctions regime
testifies to this reversal in stance.

> Also, if there is rift between the elite and "grassroutes" or the Bathist,
> this would suggest it is diverse group as well. But, again I have yet to see
> the *evidence*, apart from you claim, suggesting that any such split/rift
> exists.

David McDonald:

My understanding is that it was impossible to hold most good jobs or advance
in any way in Iraqi society without being a Baath party member. That is the
nature of things in one party states, especially states that are highly
economically centralized. Being a member of the Baath Party was a meal
ticket. In such circumstances, it would be crazy NOT to expect a VAST
diversity of opinion and politics among former Baath members.

Note that the Cuban Communist Party has waged a 40+ year campaign to NOT
have membership in that organization turn into meal ticketing,
pocket-lining, and other forms of corruption. It is still carrying out that
campaign. Imagine the results when such behaviour is fostered, as in Iraq,
rather than fought, as in Cuba.


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