Reconstructing Iraq
I was pleased to see Egypt and some other countries taking the initiative to contribute to the reconstruction of Iraq following the destruction to which this valuable part of the Arab world was subject. Rebuilding schools and hospitals, fixing broken water and electricity networks: all are very vital and need to be addressed immediately, prior to dealing with the question of occupation. Arab countries, foremost among which is Egypt, have a huge responsibility in this respect -- a responsibility nobody can afford to ignore.
Such efforts must not appear to be in favour of the occupation nevertheless. That Washington is to blame for what happened is something on which we should wholeheartedly agree. The American forces destroyed all these facilities, which were operating well prior to the occupation. Washington invaded a state that had its own ministries and services and organisations -- plenty of schools and hospitals, and perfectly efficient water and electricity networks. And however much we disagree with the political oppression prevalent prior to the occupation, we must nonetheless concede that Iraq was governed by a systematic order. How could Washington, the foremost world power and the arbiter of the international community, allow, let alone perpetrate, such destruction, taking Iraq back to the pre-industrial age?
Restoring human, and humane, conditions in Iraq is Washington's responsibility more than anybody else's. And if we are contributing to the task, it is due to our historical and blood connection to Iraq. It doesn't mean that we support Washington.
Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy.
Al-Ahram Weekly Online : 6 - 12 November 2003 (Issue No. 663)
Located at: http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2003/663/op6.htm