The Task Ahead (Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi On Securing The Country's Democratic Future)

Opinionjournal.com ^ | 02/28/05 | Ayad Allawi

[goldstategop]

Beyond these political challenges, two other familiar and no less formidable challenges remain: Iraq's security and Iraq's economy. We need to continue to build Iraq's security forces and security apparatus in a transparent and accountable, as well as effective, manner. This will both improve security and allow the multinational forces to leave Iraq. Grateful as we are to the international community for the help and their sacrifices to date, Iraqis should be able to start taking over more and more security responsibilities very soon. But we will continue to need and to seek assistance for some time to come.

Security is also absolutely essential to rebuild the economy, to create the jobs Iraqis need and to start the slow process of spreading prosperity. We were once one of the most prosperous countries in the region. We can be again. Our natural resources remain, as do the skills and energy of the Iraqi people. Many of the building blocks--domestic and international--are in place for a real explosion in Iraq's production and productivity. But the real effects will not be felt until better security unlocks much of the dormant capital and the potential investment waiting to come in.

[goldstategop]

Iraq faces a long road ahead to securing its democratic future. First in terms of getting better security in place and second, unlocking the skills and energy of its people. A good look by out-going Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi on what's to follow after the historic free elections a month ago.

(Denny Crane: "There are two places to find the truth. First God and then Fox News.")

[GeronL]

Allawi BUMP