IRAQ - ONE YEAR LATER
One year after the United States led a coalition of forces to successfully liberate the country of Iraq, life has changed for Iraqis, but in many ways you wouldn't expect. These changes are the direct result of the work of our troops and the thousands of civilians in Iraq working to rebuild a country that had been ravaged by a totalitarian dictatorship.
A major change has been the situation of women in Iraq. Under Saddam's rule, women were seen and not heard, and often tragically persecuted by his terrorist regime. Now, women are playing an important role in the country, participating in the new and emerging fields of political advocacy, entrepreneurship, and journalism. Women's centers are opening across Iraq, giving women the chance to learn more about the opportunities that await them.
Since the liberation, scouting for Iraqi children has returned for the first time in decades. Volunteer scouting had existed there, but Saddam Hussein terminated it during his rule. The return of this opportunity for Iraqi youngsters promises good things for their future. Also back are competitive soccer leagues. While soccer was always a popular sport in Iraq, it was one of Uday Hussein's many tools of torture. He would torture and even kill players on the Iraqi National Team if they did not perform up to his standards. Now, Iraqi youth can be free to participate in organized leagues that are designed to encourage teamwork and accomplishments. Simple everyday pass-times like scouting or soccer are things we often take for granted here in America. In the new Iraq, they are examples of the promise of a new day and new freedoms.
Often, the only news reports coming out of the country are the tragic stories of death and disorder. The attacks against our troops and the civilians working in Iraq remain a concern and our military is doing everything possible to prevent them from occurring. But success stories are rarely sent home. We should be proud of what our troops and volunteers have accomplished there.
Positive change in a country like Iraq will undoubtedly lead to positive change elsewhere. In fact it already has in countries like Libya, Pakistan, and possibly Iran. I continue to believe that America is the greatest country on earth, and our greatest export is freedom. With the support of our allies, and the continued support of the American people, our country will indeed make the world a better, safer place for all.
