Posted on 03/19/2005 7:51:33 PM PST by bnelson44
Two Years in Iraq: What Do The Iraqis Think? By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, Iraq, March 19, 2005 Two years after the launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom, most Iraqi people are relieved to be free of Saddam Hussein, hopeful for their countrys future, but frustrated that progress isnt coming as quickly as theyd like. That was the assessment of several Iraqi journalists here, who spoke with the American Forces Press Service on the condition that their names not be used, for fear of retaliation by extremists.
The journalists described an Iraq buoyed by Saddams removal from power and the possibilities ahead under a new democratic government.
Under Saddam and his army, people were always afraid. Talk to just about anyone and they know someone killed under Saddam, said a journalist for an Iraqi daily newspaper. Anyone, even the devil, would be better, agreed a reporter who covers Iraq for a U.S. newspaper.
Across the board, the journalists agreed that nothing short of Operation Iraqi Freedom could successfully have freed Iraq from Saddams iron grip.
The population is split regarding the length of the coalition mission here, but generally understands that its too soon for the coalition to leave Iraq. They dont like what they perceive as aggressive convoys running through their streets, but they recognize that theyre necessary for Iraqs long-term security, the reporters said.
People understand that it is necessary for the coalition to stay through this transient, difficult stage for our country, one reporter said. The soldiers need to stay until were able to secure ourselves from the dangerous enemies, both in and out of Iraq.
But at the same time, many Iraqis are frustrated by the difficulties theyre experiencing during their countrys transition period from concerns about security and unemployment to uncertainty about their future government to inconveniences caused by dilapidated water and electrical systems.
Regular insurgent attacks on Iraqi civilians have left the population frazzled, and many are growing increasingly angry at those behind the attacks. More than 2,000 people marched through Baghdad March 18 to protest a bombing that left 125 people dead.
The attackers include Iraqis who refuse to let go of the Saddam regime. While stressing that he disagrees with their viewpoints and tactics, one reporter said he understands their desperation. Under Saddam, they had money, they had big houses and cars, they had high-level jobs. Now they have nothing, he said. These loyalists arent necessarily committed to Saddam the man, the reporter explained. What many are clinging to are the lives of privilege they once had, but have lost.
Ridding Iraq of extremists has to be a top priority in Iraqs progress, a reporter said. The first demand has to be to kill the terrorists, he said. We cant move forward with the terrorists operating freely and killing our people.
In terms of their future government, the people are mixed, with some wanting a clear separation between church and state and others preferring an Islamic government. The latter alternative, one Iraqi journalist who reports for a U.S. newspaper fears, likely would be strongly influenced by Iran. People dont want to see an Iranian style of government for Iraq, he said.
As they ponder their countrys political future, some Iraqis have difficulty looking beyond the day-to-day inconveniences caused by Iraqs long-neglected infrastructure, the journalists agreed. The Iraqi people have heard about the $18 billion the United States has committed in reconstruction funds, but arent seeing signs of the efforts or believe theyre taking too long.
Many Iraqis thought that the Americans could come in and wave a magic wand and everything would be fixed, said one reporter who covers Baghdad for a local daily newspaper. They dont understand that its going to take time to clean up after 35 years.
Similarly, as they watch their country transition from a dictatorship to a democracy, many Iraqis, particularly those with less education, are grappling with their newfound liberties. People are trying to understand: What is democracy? What is freedom? a reporter said. To some, it means that now they can do anything they want, but thats not true. There are a lot of misconceptions, and the Iraqi leaders and Iraqi media need to help educate them. Despite the difficulties and frustrations of Iraqs transition period, most Iraqi people are now looking to the future with hopes and aspirations unimaginable just two years ago, the reporters said.
Most Iraqis believe that the future will be better, a reporter summarized. They want a good, stable life and a chance to live their dreams.
Related Site: DoD Special Report: Two Years in Iraq
..."...We cant move forward with the terrorists operating freely.."...
It takes is a little Neighborhood Watch mentality and trust. I guess those 2 things exist ONLY for the protection of the terrorists. The "gunmen" always seem to get the cover they need to operate in any manner they choose.
I'm watching for the same behavior to develop in Lebanon.
When it comes to "Submission", Muslims are all very willing to please their fellow Muslim armed thugs. Supporting their own armed thugs is part of Islam, a means to get Allah's favor to gain eternity in Heaven.
It takes is a little Neighborhood Watch mentality and trust. I guess those 2 things exist ONLY for the protection of the terrorists.
Nonsense!
Hey Iraqis, are you "frustrated" because it hasn't progressed faster? Well then, how about turning over your neighbors that you know are aiding and abetting terrorists ("insurgents") and get your butts to work? BTW, say hello to my son fighting for YOUR rights in your backyard--now, get your butts back to work and quit your bitchin'.
This is not to slam the committed Iraqi police and Iraqi national guardsmen who truly do put their lives (and their family's lives) on the line, but it damn sure is a call to stop your whining and push the "go" button, yesterday would have been okay.
"Nonsense!"
So is the rest of it.
If you pay close attention you'll notice I'm not disagreeing with you. :-)
You might be surprised how often coalition forces get a reliable tip from citizens. Often times the bad guys slip through the cracks (I assume it is the same with cops back home), but sometimes we are able to catch our man.
"Across the board, the journalists agreed that nothing short of Operation Iraqi Freedom could successfully have freed Iraq from Saddam's iron grip."
That should be the floating excerpt in the printed original.
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