The history of Iraq and the region has proven that a democratic republic called for by some Iraqi political forces is no more than a romantic slogan aimed at achieving gains of no real substance. The majority of republics in the Middle East have brought about successively greater states of chaos, and degenerated into individual or single-party dictatorships. They have also hindered the stability of their respective societies. Partisan military and state security forces have worked to guarantee the re-election of their leader, thus ensuring that he remains in power for life.

Of course, there is the Islamic alternative, but this touches sensitivities both inside and outside Iraq. Many in the region strongly oppose this type of rule and will spare no effort to prevent it from happening, seeing it as a threat to their interests.

The Challenges Iraq Faces

Divisions within the Iraqi society pose serious challenges to any future state. Iraqi politics has ethnic, sectarian and fundamentalist roots. Competition in the political arena is a necessity and an important pillar of democracy, but the reality is that competition for the top position has reached a highly dangerous pitch, often subjecting Iraq to the most lethal perils and bloody conflicts. For this, all of the people have had to pay the price.

One must also consider the territorial integrity of Iraq. Given the suffering of the Kurds and Shi'ites, they are likely to insist on federalism. Federalism in Iraq should be accompanied by measures that would hold the country together.

Why a Return To Monarchy Makes Sense

Constitutional monarchy may have a special role to play when a police state collapses, and the new state has to be formed in a void where political legitimacy is missing. Constitutional monarchy entails the resumption of political and constitutional legitimacy. The army, police, civil service and judiciary - the major pillars of power in civil society - would be linked to the crown and consequently placed outside the turbulent arena of political conflict.

A monarch preserves the symbolic past and is an important symbol to all various groups in an arena where they cannot threaten democracy. There is strong relationship between constitutional monarchy and democracy as a result of the fact that the optimal path to democracy is a peaceful one.

A case in point for constitutional monarchy is Spain. After the death of Franco, Spain was open to a right-wing coup and possible civil war. The restoration of constitutional monarchy under King Juan Carlos instead laid the basis of a successful democracy. The restoration of monarchy contributed significantly to the stability of internal politics and the growth and strength of democracy after years of civil war, world war and dictatorship.

The Hashemites

The last ruler in Baghdad to enjoy legitimacy was a Hashemite, King Faisal II. The Hashemite family has a legitimacy derived from Islam. They are direct descendants of the Prophet Mohammad through his daughter Fatima ez-Zahra and her husband Ali bin Abi Talib. They had two sons: Al-Hassan and Al-Hussein. The direct descendants of their eldest son, Hassan, are known as "Sharifs" (nobles), while the descendants of Hussein are called "Sayyids" (lords). With this ancestry, they ruled the holy city of Mecca from 1201 until 1925.

Sharif Ali bin AlHussein is considered by many as the most suitable candidate. Born in Baghdad in 1956, he is cousin of the late King Faisal II. His father is Sharif AlHussein bin Ali, and his mother is Princess Badia, daughter of King Ali bin Hussein I and aunt of the late King Faisal II. His grandfather was King Faisal I 's uncle and Emir of Mecca until 1908.

Constitutional monarchy is the only comprehensive and balanced system capable of harboring all political factions. It is also the only form of government that can fulfill the role of a safety valve politically and constitutionally, preserve national unity, and prevent Iraq from becoming a threat to her neighbors. Constitutional monarchy would be an important stabilizing influence in the region. It has the characteristics that render it the most suitable, realistic and constructive option for a democratic and stable Iraq under the present circumstances.

The restoration of constitutional monarchy in Iraq has its logic at a time when rulers and boundaries are in question. It should be put to the Iraqi public in a free and direct referendum and must win their approval as a precondition for adoption. Iraq would then have a good chance of constructing a peaceful and bright future.