The liberation of Iraq seems almost complete. Certainly there is no disputing the fact that, dead or alive, Saddam Hussein's rule has ended. Yet even as the statues fall, the shooting dwindles, and the looting becomes yesterday's news, the citizens of Iraq have now entered a phase of their new lives in which they find themselves POWs, prisoners of waiting, prisoners of watching and certainly, prisoners of wondering.
If there was fear and uncertainty under the regime of their oppressor, the fear and uncertainty of their future is just as palpable. If ever the saying, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." was applicable, this is it.
Many remember life before the rule of Saddam, a life in which their country embraced education, social consciousness and the belief in a wonderful future for their offspring. Many more remember only the oppression, born under the rule of the regime, never knowing that life can be different, is supposed to be different. And all remember the brief flicker of a flame called freedom in 1991, that was horrifically extinguished by their own government.
To deny them their current fear, uncertainty and disbelief would be to deny them their humanity. To believe that the actions of their "leader" or his followers are representative of the people, is akin to saying that Timothy McVeigh is representative of all Americans. Simplistic, ignorant bigotry. This is a people of great honor, deep faith and tremendous heart. To believe anything less, is simply to not know their history.
The stated goal is to bring freedom, liberty and hope back to the people of Iraq. To allow them to build a future that is bright with promise. The building blocks are there, however scattered they may currently be. Iraq is an oil rich nation. The ability to fund its own infrastructure is sound. The challenges will lie in developing a governing body in which the people can trust.
Already we see the decent people of this country policing themselves, initially with the aid of the occupying military presence, yet a step on the way to doing it on their own. Looted items are being returned to mosques, that the rightful owners may reclaim them. School are being cleared of weapons to eventually be restocked with books, paper, teachers and children. And the much anticipated humanitarian aid is beginning to move into the country, ready to feed the hungry, quench their thirst, and heal their bodies.
The road to recovery will be long and arduous, with missteps and potholes along the way. Yet now there is a road to follow, where before there was only a dead end. It will take a while for each individual to begin to trust, to believe that this road truly does exist. In the meantime, they will wait, they will watch, they will wonder.
Let us wish for the Iraqis a peaceful walk towards the horizon, for it is there that all things are possible. And it is there where all POWs will end their waiting, watching and wondering and be free to begin their new lives. Ma' a Al Tawfeeq (with success).
Linda Sharp is an internationally recognized author and columnist, appearing on 29 websites and in print publications around the world. Her latest book, Stretchmarks On My Sanity: The Growing Pains of Raising a Family, is available now. Residing in the United States, she may be reached at [email protected]. You can also find out more about Linda at www.lindasharp.com.
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
