As published in Phileleftheros Newspaper (Politics Supplement, p.7)...
(English Text)

Coalition Wants to Help Rebuild and then Leave a Free Iraq

Op-Ed by Ambassador Michael Klosson

May 18 , 2003

I have heard from many Cypriots in and out of government about their profound concern for the plight of the Iraqi people -- both before and after the conflict in Iraq began about eight weeks ago.  I share that concern, as does my government. 

With the May 1 declaration that the military phase of the campaign has ended, I hope that what is happening now in Iraq will be seen clearly for what it is – a dramatic opportunity for Iraqis of all faiths and backgrounds to rebuild their nation on democratic principles and to live in freedom.  No doubt this transition will take time, but it is worth the strong commitment of the international community.

President Bush has said repeatedly that the coalition's purpose after helping to liberate the country from the repressive regime of Saddam Hussein is to provide Iraqis the opportunity to take control of their own destinies.

Presidential Envoy Jerry Bremer arrived in Iraq on May 12 to oversee the next stage of Iraqi reconstruction.  This effort has begun to create an environment that will help Iraqis fix the country's deteriorated infrastructure, neglected for years by the Ba'ath Party regime.  Even before economic sanctions began, the regime failed to maintain essential power, water and sanitation systems, which has had a disastrous effect on the health of Iraqis.  The under-5 child mortality rate, for instance – which had fallen from 83 deaths per 1,000 in 1980 to 50 per 1,000 in 1991 – surged to 133 per thousand in 2001, according to the World Bank.  The regime also failed to feed the Iraqi people, instead diverting oil-for-food program revenues for personal gain. As a result, the percentage of malnourished Iraqis climbed from 7 percent in 1990 to 27 percent in 2000, according to the World Bank.

Power, water and sanitation systems are now being systematically put back on-line by coalition members working side by side with highly-skilled Iraqi technicians, using supplies and equipment donated by the citizens of coalition members.

Ministries are being reopened.  Bridges are being rebuilt.  Children are back in school.  Life is being restored.

The reconstruction is not just about physical facilities.  The coalition is also helping to create an environment for the establishment of democracy, which will include women and all members of Iraq’s rich ethnic and religious tapestry.  Political parties are being formed and the Iraqi people -- for the first time in decades -- dare to speak out about their futures.  The right to disagree is a fundamental principle of freedom and democracy, and the coalition is fostering the people's right to express their long-silenced voice.

The coalition’s arrival and the fall of the regime have emboldened Iraqis to participate in public religious ceremonies long banned by Saddam.

Most Iraqis who have warmly greeted the coalition reconstruction team as they tour the country realize the coalition will stay as only long as needed to get the country's economy going, including jump starting oil production to provide a source of reliable revenue for the eventual new Iraqi interim authority.

In the past four weeks, two “town hall” meetings have been held in Nasriyah (correct place, spelling corrected) and Baghdad, enabling local businessmen, dignitaries, politicians and ordinary citizens to state their hopes for their country. The effort continues under Bremer to bring about a political process leading to a democratic government, and realizing a secure, unified Iraq. 

Together with Great Britain and Spain, the United States on May 9 introduced in the United Nations Security Council a new draft resolution on Iraq.  It’s purpose is to help the Iraqi people secure a better life for themselves and to put in place a democratic government representing all Iraqis that will live in peace with its neighbors.  Besides lifting the sanctions burden on the Iraqi people, the resolution encourages the international community to help build a free Iraq and defines the vital role for the UN in building a free Iraq.

Free people everywhere should welcome a democratic Iraq into the global community of nations where "a mosaic" of citizens – not ruthless dictators – make the decisions. Cypriots certainly can play a role in contributing to Iraq’s transition and reconstruction.  The time has come to translate   compassion for the plight of Iraqis into concrete contributions to Iraq’s future, a future that augurs well for all in the region who seek peace, prosperity and democracy.