Iraq Will Become a Model of Success - Editorial: An Iraqi Success Story - 2004-02-11. What you read here is the official view of the U.S. government. After years of enduring the damages of Saddam Hussein's regime, although the situation of the Iraqi people is now improving, security in the country remains a critical issue. As President George Bush states, the heavy toll of most killings and massacres is borne by the Iraqi people: "In establishing security in Iraq, the people of that country are aware of their responsibilities. We have also significantly increased the number of police forces and the number of people willing to help establish security in the country. Now more Iraqis are ready to help. They know that these killings, sometimes carried out by foreign terrorists and sometimes by former Ba'ath officials, cannot stop the movement toward democracy." For example, the situation in Haditha, a city of seventy thousand in the northwestern desert of Baghdad, is noteworthy. According to news reports, armed men attacked the police station in the city last November, overpowering the police forces, disarming them, and freeing prisoners. Today, a new police chief is in charge of the station, and the people of Iraq feel safer. Nouri Hassan, the imam of the martyr Abdulaziz mosque, told the Boston Globe: "When local officials regained control, we saw that the situation gradually and slowly improved." Hawash Khalaf, the mayor of Haditha, is a prominent city official under whose supervision and leadership the people have successfully rebuilt the city's destroyed facilities. The looted and damaged school in the city has been restored, and teachers not only reopened classes but also donated funds for the reconstruction of the building. As President George Bush said, freedom is becoming a reality in Iraq: "And you must understand why this is so important. Freedom in the heart of the Middle East, establishing democracy in lands that have been breeding grounds for hatred and terror, is in our national interest. A free Iraq will bring about global transformations and will help bring about the changes that its neighbors need." Despite ongoing dangers and challenges, change and transformation have come to Iraq and to the city of Haditha, and as the mayor of Haditha states, Haditha is a model and example for the rest of the cities in Iraq.
Iraq Will Become a Model of Success
The article discusses the improving situation in Iraq post-Saddam Hussein, emphasizing the role of local officials and citizens in rebuilding and restoring security, particularly in Haditha. President George Bush's administration views this progress as a step towards democracy in the Middle East, which is deemed crucial for U.S. national interests.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The article highlights improvements in Iraq's security and governance post-Saddam Hussein, particularly in the city of Haditha, where local leaders have successfully restored order and infrastructure. President Bush emphasizes the importance of these developments for establishing democracy in the Middle East.
- Haditha has seen a restoration of security and local governance.
- The U.S. government views the progress in Iraq as vital for regional stability and democracy.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Following the 2003 U.S. invasion, Iraq faced significant challenges in rebuilding its political and social structures after decades of dictatorship under Saddam Hussein. The U.S. sought to promote democracy as a means to stabilize the region.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%