Yes, there is hope

Today, I was disgusted by the massacre that was committed against the 49 Iraqis soldiers. As usual, a non-Iraqi group claimed responsibility. But what's even worse is the support such cruel acts get from some Arabs.

But enough of the sad tone. I've sometimes fallen for pessimism, and at times of desperation I thought there is no light at the end of the tunnel. At other times, when Iraqis were being killed in the hundreds, I thought resistance was the solution. When I talk about resistance, I don't mean the terrorist groups that infiltrated Iraq trying to portray themselves as "resistance"; these are sick individuals.

But Iraqis have proven me (and others) wrong, and taught me to have hope. It can get emotional and hard at times, but one should never lose sight of the ultimate goal: a stable prosperous Iraq for all Iraqis.

Yesterday I came across different Iraqi sites: newspapers, TV channels, job centers, ministries etc. And boy what joy did this bring to my heart!

Iraq is definitely not the perfect place right now, and despite the tons of question marks that can be raised on the current interim government, it's a step in the right direction. No question about it.

The elections system itself is far from perfect. The way it works is Iraqis will be voting for a "list" of names, which means you either take the list as a whole or leave it. Hopefully that will change in the future.

It's also important for all Iraqis, regardless of their ethnicity or religious beliefs, to be part of elections. I've read news of the Islamic Scholars Council refusing to participate. I understand the disappointment the intentional alienation of Sunnis in the new Iraq has caused, but you've got to take part in the process no matter what. Giving up on the political process is of no help. Everybody needs to take part in this process.

I was happy to read that the Iraqi justice minister announced the establishment of an independent council that will handle appointments in the different ministries. This will ensure that the appointments are well-deserved, and not based on religion or race.

Another thing that made me happy is that most ministers are either PhD or masters degrees holders. These men are very well-educated, and have a clear vision for the new Iraq.

So, from now on, I'll be full of hope, and I admit that I wrong at times. Yes it's hard at times not to be emotional, but we ought to realize that we are now building the new Iraq for us and our grand-children.

May Allah bless the Iraqi people, and rid us soon from the terrorists and the occupation, and long live Iraq!

-----------------------------------------------

Iraqi newspapers:

Al-Sabah
Al-Ahali
Al-Mada

Iraqi websites:

URUKLink
eKur Services