Iraq: Reverting to its natural role as one of the world’s great nations
Iraq has been on brink of the abyss. After the overthrow of Saddam Hussein it involuntary became the world center of terrorist pilgrimage. But despite its dreadful hardships, we can see the emergence of a new Iraq. Our solidarity should be with the Iraqi democrats striving to rebuild their country. As violence continues to decline, and as Iraqis continue to opt for national unity and democracy, there is hope for the future. Here are some quotes reflecting the latest developments:
“While the Iraqi people are building a new federal state based on democracy, pluralism, and the peaceful distribution of power, they have, been subjected to, and affected by, a series of terrorist acts which target all Iraqis be they Arabs, Kurds, Turkmens and Kildo Assyrian that attempted to ignite sectarian strife and undermine the political process and stability of the country, while aiming to return Iraq to the days of tyranny, backwardness, oppression, and dictatorship ... These acts of terrorism, committed by the enemies of freedom will not discourage our people from establishing a new democratic experience, which our people paid a heavy price for. Our position requires the support and assistance from countries around the world to be able to build a modem nation which ensures justice, equality, the strengthening of the rule of law, the respect for human rights, and women's participation in all spheres of life.”- Jalal Talabani, president of Iraq, U.N. General Assemby, PDF, October 2008
“We recognize that our request conflicts with a plethora of voices decrying the situation in Iraq and those in the British and American publics who seek an expeditious withdrawal from a war they claim is all but lost. So why should the world remain engaged in Iraq? There is no denying the difficulties Iraq faces, and no amount of good news can obscure the demons of terrorism and sectarianism that have risen in my country. But there is too much at stake to risk failure, and everything to gain by helping us protect our hard-won democratic achievements and emerge as a stable, self-sustaining country.”- Hoshyar Zebari, foreign minister of Iraq, Washington Post, 2007
“Victory in a war on terror requires first and foremost that the ideology of extremists be made unattractive in the hearts and minds of the peoples of the region. The people are the center of gravity in a war of this type, and the winner is the one that attracts the people to his side. This goal can only be achieved by presenting a successful model for stability, liberty, and prosperity; a model that proves beyond a doubt that the people have a path that can lead to a bright future — a choice other than status-quo dictatorships and suicidal ideologies of extremism. Terrorism cannot be defeated by killing Bin Laden or even killing every single existing member of Al-Qaeda, especially considering the decentralized structure of terrorist organizations. Terrorism can be defeated by offering a model for a bright future that gives people who have suffered for so long hope and saves them from despair. Iraq is now closer than ever to becoming this model, and victory in this chapter of the war is within hand…”
- Omar Fadhil, Iraqi journalist, 2008
“Thus, the war is still in full swing and the enemy is on the retreat, and everybody realizes that they are working against the clock, i.e. quite frankly before the term of President Bush is over. The situation is full of promise as well as fraught with danger. Proper and wise management has never been more important. The gains and successes are by no means irreversible. The role of the U.S. is still pivotal and it will be a great pity if defeatism and shortsighted selfish politicizing results in withdrawal and retreat just at the moment when there seems to be some real chances and the enemy is on the run.”- Alaa, Iraqi blogger, dentist in Baghdad
“Today, perhaps for the first time since 2003, it seems realistic to think that Iraq gradually may be able to fix itself, despite US policies that often work to the advantage of those who want to fish in sectarian waters.”- Reidar Visser, analyst, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs
“As matters stand, there is a serious prospect that Iraq will not only be free of Baathist tyranny but will also be the scene of a decisive defeat for theocratic and atavistic forces that stand for everything we progressives oppose.”- Oliver Kamm, British journalist
“If I were a political leader of any consequence and I was asked a question regarding the options for Iraq, I would say that retreating and conceding victory to the terrorists is not an option - for the consequences are far too high to contemplate.”- José Ramos-Horta, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, from statement to the UN General Assembly, PDF, 2004
“Iraq is not a lost cause. It may often be out of the news these days, and the progress is fragile, but its civil society and reformers deserve widespread understanding and support.”- Gary Kent, Labour Friends of Iraq, 2008
“The bottom line is that there is nothing in Iraq’s history that should prevent the country from reverting to its natural role as one of the world’s great nations.”- Reidar Visser, analyst, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, 2008
