CAMP ADDER, Iraq — Iraq: A local national perspective
As elections near, a businessman takes time to reflect on the past, present and future of Iraq.
The businessman, whose name cannot be mentioned due to security concerns, says he has seen his country improve, and is worried about what will happen next. He has a message he wants to send to the American people.
He said many Iraqis were happy when the U.S. invaded and got rid of an evil dictatorship that would have continued with Sadaam Hussein's sons. There are new businesses starting, real estate prices are going up in Baghdad, and more people are finally able to afford things like cars and other luxury items, he said.
However, the man also said he believes an American presence in Iraq is necessary for at least the next 10 years in a supporting role. The U.S. presence would help ensure a government is in place with all of Iraq's best interest in mind, he said. The businessman believes it would help combat secular divides within the country and outside influences from other countries.
"All you have to do is go out on the streets and you will find people saying the same thing." Many people do not trust the integrity of any of the potential candidates who will be running their government, but they will still be voting, the businessman said while his cohorts nodded their heads in agreement.
He said Iraq needs the Americans around to ensure the government does not become too corrupt. He believes that within five years Iraq could become one of the wealthiest nations in the Persian Gulf with the right leadership.
The man says he loves Iraq and says there are many others like him; he hopes the U.S. will continue to work more with the people of Iraq after the drawdown.
The businessman says he wants to give a message to America that Iraq is a country of potential with a very uncertain future that hinges on what happens to his country in the next few years.
| Date Taken: |
12.22.2009 |
| Date Posted: |
12.22.2009 05:04 |
| Story ID: |
43028 |
| Location: |
TALLIL, IQ |
| Web Views: |
336 |
| Downloads: |
273 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, A local national perspective on Iraq, by SFC Cory Grogan, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
