In the vast expanse of global politics, democracies are often celebrated for their ability to give voice to the people. Every citizen has the right to vote and play a role in determining the course of their nation. However, with this privilege comes a certain responsibility. The premise of democracy suggests that no one can truly be called "innocent," save for children who have yet to exercise their voting rights. Every citizen, by the very act of voting, becomes accountable for the decisions of their government. I would like to examine this premise, particularly in post-wars, where one party is labelled 'innocent' and another 'militant', drawing upon events from the past 30 years.

Shared Responsibility in Democracies: The Case of the 2003 Iraq War

The beauty of a democratic system is that it is driven by the will of its citizens. For instance, the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 was a decision made by the Bush administration, backed by significant public support at the time. As the war progressed and the initial reasons for the invasion were questioned, many Americans expressed regret or opposition. Yet, the initial support played a role in legitimizing the government's decision.

Post-war Narratives: The Yugoslav Wars and Shared Accountability

In the aftermath of wars, particularly those involving multiple factions or internal conflicts, narratives paint one party as the innocent victim and another as the militant aggressor. The Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s, involving several democratic nations, showcased how intricate and layered such narratives can be. While there were clear instances of aggression, such as the Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia, labelling one side as wholly innocent becomes problematic. Citizens of the various republics, through their nationalistic fervour or passive acceptance, played roles in the trajectory of the conflict.

The Arab Spring and the Voice of the People

The Arab Spring, which began in 2010, is another testament to the power of the people in shaping their nations' futures. In countries like Egypt and Tunisia, mass protests led to the overthrow of long-standing regimes. However, the aftermath, especially in Egypt with the rise and fall of the Muslim Brotherhood, showcased how democratic decisions have lasting consequences that every citizen shares responsibility for.

Children: The Only True Innocents in the Syrian Civil War

The Syrian Civil War, which started in 2011, has had devastating consequences for its population, especially children. While global powers and regional players have taken sides, leading to a complex web of alliances and enmities, innocent victims have been the children. They bear no responsibility for the actions of their government or the rebel factions, yet they have suffered the most.

The events of the past 30 years, from the Iraq War to the Syrian Civil War, underscore the immense power and responsibility that comes with the right to vote in a democracy. Every ballot cast has far-reaching implications, shaping the course of nations and the lives of their citizens. As stewards of democracy, we must recognize the weight of our choices and the shared accountability they bring. The power of the vote is not just a right; it's a duty defining the essence of democratic governance.