Confusion Leads to Suspicion (III)

Suspicion reached hearts & minds of the US people as an ABC poll, released on March 6, says. About Iraq, the poll shows that “…eight in 10 Americans see civil war as likely and a record 65 percent say the administration lacks a clear plan to resolve the conflict;” I find the record, of those who say the administration lacks a clear plan to resolve the conflict, astonishing. It means that something is going wrong. On reading ‘National Strategy For Victory in Iraq’ issued by the National Security Council in Nov. 2005, one can find in part I (Strategic Overview/ THE STRATEGY OF OUR ENEMIES -P.7) a section titled (Enemy Lines of Action). The section states:

“The enemy seeks to …
• Weaken the Coalition’s resolve, and our resolve at home, through barbaric mass-casualty attacks, public slaughter of Iraqi civilians and hostages, infliction of casualties on Coalition forces, and use of the media to spread propaganda and intimidate adversaries.
• Destroy confidence in the Iraqi government by sabotaging key essential service (oil and electricity) nodes and by derailing the political process.
• Damage trust in Iraqi Security Forces through propaganda, infiltration, and barbaric attacks on the weak and the innocent.
• Sabotage Iraqi unity through propaganda against the Shi’a majority punctuated with attacks intended to spark sectarian conflict and civil war.
• Establish safe havens to plan attacks and conduct intimidation campaigns.
• Expand the fight to neighboring states and beyond.”

The strategy shows that every thing was taken into consideration. Still, things need more efforts. I believe that improving the sector of economy in Iraq is a vital factor in dragging young men away from being recruited, because of privation, by the terrorists.

Improving the way of handling the reconstruction in Iraq by re-evaluation through reports, like the one released by the office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, and listening to American field commanders & their Iraqi colleagues is very important. Jonathan Finer said in the Washington Post:

“Iraqis routinely describe the lack of basic services such as clean water and a steady supply of electricity as perhaps the biggest problem facing the war-ravaged country, ranking it alongside insecurity and persistent insurgent violence.”

Mr. Bowen says that while steady progress had been made, the "reconstruction gap" presents a "significant and growing threat" to American efforts to rebuild Iraq. Bowen's office ascribes ‘the gap’ to cases involving US citizens and allegations of “bribery, fraud, and kickbacks”. The report said investigators had gathered "an enormous amount of evidence" but contained no details on any possible indictments. Another news says that the Justice Department was looking at possible indictments linked to Iraqi reconstruction. Such news about bureaucracy are not perceivable for the poor unemployed homeless Iraqis who have been under oppression and war environment for decades, and are targeted daily by lunatic suicide bombers.

President Bush said on March 13,:

“Americans were inspired by the images of Iraqis bringing elderly relatives to the polls, holding up purple ink-stained fingers, dancing in the streets and celebrating their freedom. By their courage, the Iraqi people have spoken and made their intentions clear: they want to live in democracy -- and they are determined to shape their own destiny.”

That’s OK Sir, but hard work is needed to achieve something tangible. The other day, a colleague made a comparison between the era of Gen. Kassim (1958-63) and nowadays. After three years of ruling Iraq as a prime minister, Kassim made a tremendous change in the life of every Iraqi.
Prime minister of Iraq, Dr. Ibrahim Al-Jafari, wrote:

“The other major challenge my government will face is reviving Iraq's economy. Iraq has been drowned by decades of Baathist socialist policies that have made millions reliant on government handouts.”

Another OK, come on do something. Iraqis just hear words; the only real deeds are their daily killings for a reason or another by a bunch of brutal criminals. Still, they believe in a better future. Mr. Donald Rumsfeld, secretary of defense, phrased it accurately:

“What we need to understand is that the vast majority of the Iraqi people want the coalition to succeed. They want better futures for themselves and their families. They do not want the extremists to win. And they are risking their lives every day to secure their country.”

Mr. Bush said:

“We saw the restraint of the Iraqi people in the face of massive provocation. Most Iraqis did not turn to violence, and many chose to show their solidarity…”

, but for how long one can guarantee this solidarity. An alternative for sects, tribes, religious leaders, sheiks…, which is effective state institutions, should be developed. On the absence of an influential government people would be coerced to resort to their sects, tribes and so on, asking for safety.

I believe in what Mr. Bush once said:

“…I believe that freedom is universal. I believe that deep in everybody's soul is the desire to be free. That's what I believe.”

And what Mr. Jafari said:

“The road ahead will be tough, but the Iraqi people have demonstrated their bravery, determination and resolve. The world should not falter at such a crucial stage in history.”

To attain these goals means is needed, and Iraqis need to be taught more about modern state, justice, and liberty. It is what I referred to in many previous posts as (EDUCATIONAL REHABILITATION).

Frankly speaking, I have learned in the past three years to trust some politicians. I never believed a word of what Saddam had said when he was in power, and likewise the Arab leaders. But when I hear Mr. Bush speeches, I feel relieved. Each time he assures me, as an Iraqi, that he is a persistent leader as in these words:

“I make this promise to Debbie, and all the families of the fallen heroes: We will not let your loved ones dying be in vain. We will finish what we started in Iraq. We will complete the mission. We will leave behind a democracy that can govern itself, sustain itself, and defend itself. And a free Iraq, in the heart of the Middle East, will make the American people more secure for generations to come.”