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Archived Articles
Simeon Mitropolitski is a Canadian analyst, of Bulgarian origin, and a former syndicated columnist with the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). He is the author of several hundred articles dealing with hot political and economic topics, both national and international.
He was part of the first group of Bulgarian intellectuals and students that began the opposition movement that finally put an end to the communist regime in this country in 1989, and in 1996-1997 participated in international observation teams during the elections in several Balkan countries - Romania, Albania and Bulgaria.
In 2002 Simeon and his family moved from Bulgaria to Canada where they live now in Montreal, province of Quebec. Simeon is a Master of Political Science from McGill University and a B.A. of Political Science and History.
Global Real Estate Project
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The Day of Iraq: Finger of Freedom
 This day has come. The day that so many predicted could never happen. The day so many predicted would turn into bloodbath. The day that had to show whether or not people that have lived under totalitarian regime and are still under occupation can act like free persons. This day has come and now everyone can see what the Iraqis are standing for. What they are wishing. What they are hoping for. The world may guess what will happen next? That's a mystery and one of the best things in our lives is that we can't be sure what will happen to us next. Given the extraordinary rise of emotions today in Iraq in among all the Arabs in the world, witnessed by the incredible postings that pour in real time over the independent blogs, one thing is certain, there will be major consequences not only for Iraq but at least region of the Middle East. Vote against deathAt least 72% of the Iraqis perhaps more, have voted and by doing this they have braved the death warnings issued to all that would show up at the polling stations. Those who showed up not only defied the death for themselves but also to their children. As far as I can remember it has never been during my lifetime any time when the voters has been forced to decide not only between different candidates, but mainly between the life and death for themselves and for their children. That makes this day even more remarkable. The Iraqis literally have voted against death and for life.Power to the peopleThis day will inevitably change the situation in Iraq, giving the local politicians enough power to speak with the coalition forces as equals. No more paternalistic approach will be allowed in their relations. People that can go and vote under the threat of death is mature enough to live in freedom and to have its politicians responsible to the people, not to any foreign power. Another aspect of this popular power will be marginalizing the so-called insurgency. They will have to choose between rallying with its people and facing dire consequences.Domino effectIraq's election isn't just Iraq's matter; it goes far beyond the borders of this particular country. In a region where nations are suppressed and tyranny (milder or harsher) is a rule of the game the fact that one nation chooses its representatives is more than enough to inspire the democratic movements in many other countries. Will we see another "spring of nations" like that in Eastern Europe in 1989-1991? It may be. It may be quite on the contrary with the authoritarian rulers consolidating their power by crushing their opposition. One thing is certain, the authoritarian rule has lost its regional legitimacy, it may keep the power but it will be due to naked force and not to the popular consent.This day will be remembered in Iraq and I hope far beyond its borders. It isn't the last but just the first giant step that may change the political and social landscape of this region. I wish many people that by political reasons stand far from the current American administration wouldn't allow this animosity to block them from participating in these historic events. Just go to any Iraqi blog and send a couple of kind words. People that have just braved the death in order to be free deserve at least that little sign of our appreciation.
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See also the directory of companies providing real estate services in, and general real estate information of Iraq.
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