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Hi Neda, Thank you for your email and I apologize for the delay in replying to your questions. Iraq is now a much better place than it was before April 9, 2003, the date when the dictatorship was overthrown. The controversy over the war must not be allowed to overshadow the relief that the vast majority of Iraqis feel as a result of the removal of a terrible tyranny. The challenge now is twofold: restoring full sovereignty to Iraqis and reconstructing a devastated economy and society. The majority of Iraqis are now under 20 years old and nearly 60% of the population is made up of women. It is they who must shoulder the burdens of reconstruction and it is they who will play the largest part in rebuilding the country and society. Iraqis, though concerned with the ongoing political and security issues, are far more optimistic now about the future of their country and its development. For the first time in nearly two generations they can now feel free and are able to express themselves in ways that would have been unthinkable before. Young people have access to the Internet and to satellite TV. There are literally dozens of newspapers reflecting all shades of opinion. They can travel freely and have no heavy-handed government breathing down their necks. This sense and experience of freedom is irreversible. They now feel that they belong to the world community and they have lost the sense of isolation that pervaded the country in the days of the dictatorship. The economy is beginning to pick up and the high levels of unemployment, especially amongst the young, is now rapidly reducing. This should further accelerate after the large sums of grants and loans, promised by the international community led by the U.S. begin to flow into the country. Most people I believe are grateful for the Coalition in overthrowing the tyranny. Some may object to the loss of political independence for a while, but there is a general recognition that the Coalition authorities are genuinely determined to hand over responsibility soon to Iraqis. The challenges are immense, but there is a strong belief and confidence that Iraqis will be able to manage them and emerge from this experience a stronger and more forward looking country. You need only go to one of the rebuilt high schools in Baghdad to see for yourself the optimism and determination of our young people to make the best of the opportunities that are now possible in Iraq. For the first time in nearly forty years, they can visualize and realize a future where they are free and where they can achieve their true potential. I hope this gives your readers a fair idea of where we are and where we are going. Sincerely, |
