Iraqi resistance
By
Naguib mahfouz
Iraqi resistance is now an organised movement and not the work of individuals, indicating that large numbers of Iraqis now regard the military presence of foreigners as a form of occupation that must be ended. Such sentiments indicate the true mettle of the Iraqis, who suffered at the hands of the ousted regime for 35 years. Their suffering was compounded by 13 years of sanctions, and now they are enduring an indefinite foreign occupation.
American statements suggest that US troops will not be leaving Iraq any time soon. Meanwhile, the crude campaign to arrest members of the Ba'ath Party, involving mass arrests and searches, augurs badly for attempts to turn over a new leaf in Iraq and pursue a better future for Iraqis.
It's time to put an end to the suffering of the Iraqi people and respect their right to a normal life, on the political or social planes. Before the presence of US troops the political situation in Iraq was abnormal. Now the social structure has been destroyed.
Popular resistance has become more organised. Not a day passes without some incident taking place. Such incidents will eventually carry weight with American public, the majority of whom still support the administration's policies in Iraq. Lately, however, there have been signs of a shift, albeit slight. Support, we must hope, will continue to erode as elections in November 2004 approach. And at the end of the day it is the Iraqi resistance which will have effected this change.
Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy.
