In spite of unrelenting media coverage of the bombings and other terror related activity in Iraq, much that is positive remains hidden.
In the first two parts of the series on The Global Debate Over Iraq, we discussed the historical beginnings of the conflict and the implications behind the Oil For Food scandal. In spite of the division over this issue of our involvement in Iraq, and its accompanying media focus, there are very positive things occurring in this ancient land.
For instance, slated to begin operating next month are both a water treatment and raw sewage plant for the impoverished lower end of Baghdad. Electricity is currently restored and in many areas being rebuilt for increased loads and much needed renovations. This is allowing many Iraqis to enjoy heating and cooling, not to mention vital energy to cook and maintain contact with the outside world.
Outdoor bazaars are filled with goods from westernized nations. Everything from satellite dishes, tv's and durable items, to higher quality foodstuffs and clothing. The UN has taken over many of the areas most needing reconstruction from the military, easing tensions, and relieving the burdens our forces have carried for so long.
Farmers who grow wheat and other crops, are being given education on the use of higher quality seeds to ensure higher healthier crop yields in Iraq's rural areas. Those who farm livestock including sheep and goats, are now able to access veterinary help for their herds. Under the former regime, this aspect of agricultural life was grossly neglected. New veterinary clinics have been built, and construction of more are currently underway.
In Amman Jordan this year, Private Sector Development-PSD, held a two day Doing Business In Iraq Expo 2005, sponsoring 4 Iraqi government officials for the trip. This 4 day event brought together investors, contractors, suppliers and buyers, in an effort to foster a thriving economic environment. A highlight of the conference was a meeting and tour of the Jordan Investment Group, a key player in Middle East Economics.
The 4 government officials spent two days with European and US firms who helped explain the principles of accounting and other vital aspects of conducting business on the global markets. To paraphrase one participant, it created an excitement among many international businesses, about being part of the rebuilding of Iraq.
And, in spite of intimidation, and daily bombings, many Iraqis are attending workshops and videoconferences, so that they can continue on the path to independence. Given the fact we've only been inside Iraq just over two years, this is nothing short of phenomenal.
The biggest and most significant progress to date though, is the creation of an Iraqi constitution, which undergoes its final vote on December 15th, 2005. The steady work and determination to take those first shaky steps away from a dictatorship into some form of autonomous democracy, speaks volumes about the desire in this land to become a part of the global community.
Another breaking piece of news is Turkey has expressed a desire to create along its border with Iraq, a sort of economic free zone. If this succeeds, and the signs are there that it may well do so, this will be an enormous step forward for the entire region.
We tend to forget, in this fast paced media saturated world, that things do move rapidly, and quietly behind the scenes. Instead the Michael Moores and Cindy Sheehans detract from all that is positive here. It does our brave men and women who are on scene, a grave disservice. This goes for all who are over there, from soldiers to the crews trying to rebuild and revitalise, what was once a country dying in the grip of a fanatical tyranny. And it dishonors and debases those who paid the ultimate price, their lives, so Iraq can be free to practice their form of democracy without terror.
http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=80922
originally published at www.buzzle.com
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