Prime Minister Maliki's Address to Congress (finally, a transcript instead of MSM BS analysis)

PRIME MIN. AL-MALIKI: (Extended Applause.) In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Your Excellency the speaker of the House, Mr. Vice President, honorable ladies and gentlemen, members of Congress, it is with great pleasure that I am able to take this opportunity to be the first democratically and constitutionally elected prime minister of Iraq to address you, the elected representatives of the American people. And I thank you for affording me this unique chance to speak at this respected assembly.

Let me begin by thanking the American people, through you, on behalf of the Iraqi people, for supporting our people in ousting dictatorship. Iraq will not forget those who stood with her – with him and who continues to stand with her in times of need. (Applause.)

Thank you for your continued resolve in helping us fight the terrorists plaguing Iraq, which is a struggle to defend our nascent democracy and our people who aspire to liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

All of those are not Western values; they are universal values for humanity. (Applause.) They are as much for me the pinnacle embodiment of my faith and religion, and they are for all free spirits.

The war on terror is a real war against those who wish to burn out the flame of freedom, and we are in this vanguard for defending the values of humanity. (Applause.)

I know that some of you here question whether Iraq is part of the war on terror. Let me be very clear -- this is a battle between true Islam, for which a person's liberty and rights constitute essential cornerstones, and terrorism, which wraps itself in a fake Islamic cloak; in reality, wages a war on Islam and Muslims and values -- (applause) -- and spreads hatred between humanity.

Contrary to what's come in our Koran, which says we have created of you -- of male and female and made you tribes and families that you know each other, surely noblist of you in the sight of God is the best conduct. The truth is that terrorism has no religion. Our faith say that who kills an innocent as it has killed all mankind. Thousands of lives were tragically lost in September 11th, where -- when these imposters of Islam reared their ugly head. Thousands more continue to die in Iraq today at the hands of the same terrorists who show complete disregard for human life.

Your loss on that day was the loss of all mankind, and our loss today is loss for all free people. (Applause.)

And wherever human kind suffers a loss at the hands of terrorists, it is a loss of all humanity. It is your duty and our duty to defeat this terror. Iraq is the front line is this struggle, and history will prove that the sacrifices of Iraqis for freedom will not be in vain. Iraqis are your allies in the war on terror. (Applause.)

And history will record their bravery and humanity. The fate of our country and yours is tied. Should democracy be allowed to fail in Iraq and terror permitted to triumph, then the war on terror will never be won elsewhere.

Mr. Speaker, we are building the new Iraq on the foundation of democracy, and are erecting it through our belief in the rights of every individual, just as Saddam has destroyed it through his abuse of all those rights, so that future Iraqi generations can live in peace, prosperity and hope. Iraqis have tasted freedom, and we will defend it absolutely. (Applause.)

Every human possesses inalienable rights which transcend religion, as it is stated in the International Convention of Human Rights. They transcend religion, race and gender, and God says in the Koran, and surely we have honored all children of Adam.

I believe these human rights are not an artifact construct reserved for the few; they are the divine entitlement for all. (Applause.) And it is on this unwavering belief that we are determined to build our nation, a land whose people are free, whose air is liberty, and where the rule of law is supreme.

This is the new Iraq, which is emerging from the ashes of dictatorship, and despite the carnage of extremists, a country which respects international conventions and practices non-interference in the internal affairs of others, relies on dialogue to resolve differences, and strives to develop strong relations with every country that espouses freedom and peace. (Applause.)

We are working diligently so that Iraq returns to take the position it deserves and to play -- plays a positive role in its regional and international environment as a key, active player in spreading security and stability, to give an example of positive relationship between countries through denouncement of violence and resorting to constructive dialogue solving problems between nations and peoples.

We have made progress, and we are correcting the damage inflicted by politics of the previous regime, in particular with our neighbors. My presence here is a testament of the new politics of a democratic Iraq. (Applause.)

Ladies and gentlemen, in a short space of time, Iraq has gone from a dictatorship, to a transitional administration, and now to a fully fledged democratic government. This has happened despite the best efforts of the terrorists who are bent on either destroying democracy or Iraq. But by the courage of our people, who defied the terrorists every time they were called upon to make a choice by risking their lives for the ballot box, they have stated over and over again with their inked-stained fingers waving in pride that they will always make the same choice. (Applause.)

HECKLER: The Iraqis want the troops to leave! Bring them home now! Iraqis want the troops to leave --

SPEAKER HASTERT: Our guest would suspend for the -- a moment. The chair notes a disturbance in the gallery. The sergeant of arms will secure order by removing those engaging in disruption. (Scattered applause.)

HECKLER: Iraqis want the troops to leave! Bring them home now! (Off mike) -- bring the troops home now!

PRIME MIN. AL-MALIKI: Hope over fear. Liberty over oppression. Dignity over submission. Democracy over dictatorship. Federalism over a centralist state. Let there be no doubt. Today Iraq is a democracy which stands firm because of the sacrifices of its people and the sacrifices of all those who stood with us in this crisis from nations and countries. (Applause, cheers.)

And that's why I thank you. I would like to thank them very much for all their sacrifices. Iraqis of all persuasions took part in a unanimously democratic election for the first parliament formed under the country's first permanent constitution, after eight decades of temporary constitutions and dictatorship, a constitution written by the elected representatives of the people and ratified by the people.

Iraqis succeeded in forming a government of national unity, based on an elected parliamentary foundation and includes all of Iraq's religions, ethnicities and political groupings.

The journey has been perilous, and the future is not guaranteed. Yet many around the world who -- underestimated the resolve of Iraq's people and were sure that we would never reach this stage. Few believed in us. But you, the American people, did, and we are grateful for this. (Applause.)

The transformation in Iraq can sometimes be forgotten in the daily futile violence. Since liberation we have witnessed great accomplishments in politics, the economy and civil society. We have gone from a one-party state ruled by a small elite to a multi-party system where politics is the domain of every citizen and parties compete at all levels. (Applause.)

What used to be a state-controlled media is now completely free and uncensored -- something Iraq had never witnessed since its establishment as a modern state, and something which remains alien to most of the region.

What used to be a command economy in Iraq we are rapidly transforming into a free market economy. In the past three years, our GDP per capita has more than doubled, and it is expected that our economy will continue to grow.

Standards of living have been raised for most Iraqis as the markets witness an unprecedented level of prosperity. Many individuals are buying products and appliances which they would never have hoped to afford in the past.

And in keeping with our economic visions of creating a free market economy, we will be presenting to parliament legislation which will lift current restrictions on foreign companies and investors who wish to come to Iraq. (Applause.)

While we are making great economic strides, the greatest transformation has been on Iraqi society. We have gone from mass graves and torture chambers and chemical weapons to a flourishing -- to the rule of law and human rights. And the human rights and freedoms embodied in the new Iraq and consolidated in the constitution have provided a fertile environment for the ever-growing number of civil society institutions -- (applause) -- which are increasing in scope and complexity and provide a healthy reflection of what is developing beneath the violence.

The rights chartered in the constitution will also help consolidate the role of women in public life as equals to men -- (applause) -- and help them to play a greater role in political life. (Applause continuing.) I am proud to say that a quarter of Iraq's Council of Representatives is made up of women. But we still have much to accomplish.

Mr. Speaker, our -- Mr. Vice President, our nascent democracy faces numerous challenges and impediments, but our resolve is unbreakable and we will overcome them.

The greatest threat Iraq's people face is terror, terror inflicted by extremists who value no life and who depend on the fear their wanton murder and destruction creates. They have poured acid into Iraq's dictatorial wounds and created many of their own.

Iraq is free and the terrorists cannot stand this. They hope to undermine our democratically elected government through the random killing of civilians. They want to destroy Iraq's future by assassinating our leading scientific, political and community leaders. Above all, they wish to spread fear.

Do not think that this is an Iraqi problem. This terrorist front is a threat to every free country in the world and their citizens. What is at stake is nothing less than our freedom and liberty. Confronting and dealing with this challenge is the responsibility of every liberal democracy that values its freedom. Iraq is the battle that will determine the war. If in continued partnership we have the strength of mind and commitment to defeat the terrorists and their ideology in Iraq, they will never be able to recover. (Applause.)

For the sake of success of the political process, I launched the National Reconciliation Initiative, which aims to draw in groups willing to accept the logic of dialogue and participation. This olive branch has received the backing of Iraq's parliamentary blocs and support further afield from large segments of the population. I remain determined to see this initiative succeed. But let our enemies not mistake our outstretched hand for forgiveness as a sign of weakness. Whoever chooses violence against the people of Iraq, then the fate that awaits them will be the same that of the terrorist Zarqawi. (Applause.)

While political and economic efforts are essential, defeating terror in Iraq relies fundamentally on the building of sound Iraqi force, both in quantity and capability. The completion of Iraq's forces forms the necessary basis for the withdrawal of multinational forces, but it -- only then, only when Iraq's forces are fully capable will the job of the multinational forces be complete.

Our Iraqi forces have accomplished much, and have gained a great deal of field experience to eventually enable them to triumph over the terrorists and to take over the security portfolio and extend peace through the country.

The other impediment to Iraq's stability are the armed militias. I have on many occasions stated my determination to disband all militias, without exception -- (applause) -- and reestablish a state monopoly on arms, and to guarantee citizens security so that they do not need others to provide it.

It is imperative that the reconstruction starts now. While small sections of central Iraq are unstable, large sections have remained peaceful but ignored for far too long. These were most deprived areas of Iraq under the previous regime, and have been the most valiant in Iraq's struggle for freedom. We need to make an example out of these stable areas as models for the rest of the country. (Applause.)

Reconstruction projects in these areas will tackle unemployment, which will weaken the terrorists. They will become prototypes for other, more volatile regions (to) aspire to. Undoubtedly, reconstruction in these areas will fuel economic growth and show what a prosperous, stable, democratic and federal Iraq would look like.

Members of the Congress, in this effort, we need your help. We need the help of the international community. Much of the budget you had allocated for Iraq's reconstruction ended up paying for security firms and foreign companies, whose operating costs were vast.

Instead there needs to be a greater reliance on Iraqis and Iraqi companies, with foreign aid and assistance to help us rebuild Iraq. (Applause.)

We are rebuilding Iraq on a new, solid foundation, that of liberty, hope and equality. Iraq's democracy is young, but the will of its people is strong. It is because of this spirit and desire to be free that Iraq has taken the opportunity you gave us, and we chose democracy.

We faced tyranny and oppression under the former regime, and we now face a different kind of terror. We did not bow then, and we will not bow now. (Applause.)

I will not allow Iraq to become a launch pad for al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations. I will not -- terror rob Iraqis of their hopes and dreams. I will not allow terrorists to dictate to us our future.(Applause.)

For decades we struggled alone for our freedom. In 1991, when Iraqis tried to capitalize on the regime's momentary weakness and rose up, we were alone again.

The people of Iraq will not forget your continued support as we establish a secure, liberal democracy. Let 1991 never be repeated, for history will be more unforgiving. (Applause.)

The coming few days are difficult and the challenges are considerable. Iraq and America both need each other to defeat the terror engulfing the free world. In partnership, we will be triumphant because we will never be slaves to terror, for God has made us free. (Applause.)

Trust that Iraq will be a grave for terrorism and terrorists. (Applause.) Trust that Iraq will be the graveyard for terrorism and terrorists, for all -- for the good of all humanity.

In 1991, when Iraqis tried to capitalize on the regime's momentary weakness and rose up, we were alone again.

Good reminder. We let them down horribly after the first Gulf War, to the death of the many, the detriment of most, and the delay by more than a decade of real progress. We must get it right this time.

This speech gives a perfect illustration of why the President keeps repeating the 'Religion of Peace' mantra: not because Mohammedanism *is* a religion of peace, but because if we win the war (in grand strategic terms) it will involve crushing the Salafists (the religious tendancy of which Al Qaeda and Hizb ut Tihur are the militant and subversive wings) and the Twelver 'Hasteners' (the religious tendancy undergirding the Iranian lunatics), What will be left of Islam will be folks like PM Maliki, the Aga Khan, King Abudullah of Jordan, and the nice Pakistani cabby down the street, who all think more of the sura that says killing one innocent is like killing all mankind than they do of the Verse of the Sword, and just want to live and let live.

The 'Religion of Peace' slogan is a propaganda tool, the enemy's if it's used to cover evil intent, but ours if it's used as a call to the Muslims who don't really want to fight jihad to do exactly what they want, and *not* fight jihad.

Thanks for the ping, Justa. I watched the speech today and I wondered how the DemocRats "rationalized away" the words Maliki spoke!

Yep, the libs in this country want to abuse our freedom, and at the same time deny others from having it!

Good analysis.

I give Bush very high marks for how he has handled the WOT and Islam. He is friends with most of the muslim world leaders, or at least he has their respect. That includes places now like Libya, Yemen, Morrocco, Jordan (who sided with Saddam in the gulf war), the Saudis, Musharrif, Kuwait, and the UAE. We are isolating Iran and Syria.

And he doesn't send weak milquetoasts like Albright and Warren Christopher to chat with them. He sends a very firm Rummy, Condi and Cheney.

Amen. Thanks for the ping. Did the heckler somehow miss the fact that he IS an Iraqi? What an idiot.

Iraq and America both need each other to defeat the terror engulfing the free world.

Maliki and Bush are not going to let the grass grow under their feet these next few years.

I loved the speech. I didn't see in it any of the negatives our MSM did (too rosy a picture; ingratitude). Iraq doesn't intend to be a puppet of the US, but that's not really what we want, anyway.
Maliki sees an opportunity for Iraq, and that's what we want them to see. And he knows that Islamofascist terrorists are a threat to the whole world - and Iraq is going to have to suffer losses in order to end that threat. They are willing to do that.

He wasn't whining - he was saying that Iraq is a willing partner in the WOT. What more can we ask of them?

Excellent points. However, the strategic long term question may be, what will happen first.

The U.S. pulling out

The Iraqi Shiites joining up with their Iranian brethren ?

I'm a day late to the event but thanks for posting this. Maliki's speech was amazingly crystal clear. He left no doubt about his position on terrorists but continues to defend his core beliefs.

I join in on the applause for him.

God Bless our troops and the Iraqi people.

Great post and read. Thanks, pissant. This shameful display in front of a foreign dignitary and an insult to free people the world over was brought to you courtesy of Code Pink. For those unaware, Code Pink is the same bunch of nuts who presented Jack Murtha with an award and who sees fit to torment our wounded soldiers at Walter Reed every Friday evening.

The enemy within.

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