Give Iraqi People A Purpose

Saving Iraq depends on finding an issue [a cause] that will unite the different factions of that country, plus a leader who is able to dramatize that issue sufficiently to inspire the population to forget their previous beliefs and prejudices and to pledge their fortunes, sacred honor and lives to the cause of uniting in a fight to drive all foreign forces from their country and establishing a new and unified nation.

The present nation of Iraq was set up by people who were more interested in eliminating a custodial problem than in organizing a nation that could rule and sustain its status as a free nation. It did not represent the wishes of its people and gave them little reason for pride or self respect. From the beginning its leaders have been more interested in their [or their families] wealth and position than in unifying the various tribes, religions and political factions into a true nation.

There was no feeling of equality among its people. There was no reason for concern about the welfare of the people of other tribes or those of different faiths. To hold the nation together the leaders had to depend on force. To be a leader one had to be somewhat charismatic and able to organize and sustain military and police forces sufficient to maintain order. He had to be sufficiently trusted by tribal and religious leaders to keep them convinced that their interests were being served.

Such a system could not give school children a feeling of pride and patriotism sufficient to overcome their loyalty to their clan or their religious leaders. Their past history could give them little reason to make sacrifices for their nation if that sacrifice were not sponsored by their family, clan and religion.

There has been no cause for people to rise up and fight another nation. Their troubles have been between tribes and religions or against the abuses of their government. Into this confusing picture came George W. Bush, the unifier, with a gift of a national purpose. The groups who hate one another so vehemently are now willing to forget their differences and prejudices sufficiently to agree that the overriding purpose must be to drive the infidels out of the country.

Driving out the occupying forces would be a great achievement for the people of Iraq. Still, the task of creating a viable, self sustaining nation in Iraq will not be attained until ways are found to overcome the animosities existing between the religious groups.

The problem is the one that has existed since the birth of Iraq. The important thing now is that the people of the country be convinced that they should face their problems around a conference table and work out an arrangement for a new Iraqi nation. Surely there is a person somewhere who would be willing to die if necessary to make the people realize the necessity of placing the creation of a viable nation above all other loyalties.

This is the time for a person like Tom Paine to grab the stage and proclaim that “Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered, yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph” or more significantly “What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness that gives everything its value.” Words like these gave those brave Colonial rebels the drive and inspiration to throw off England’s yoke, lay aside their petty prejudices and fight to establish a new and enduring nation.

So, let us bring together a large group of Iraq citizens of courage and influence and tell them to go forth and establish a new, durable nation for themselves.

GIVE IRAQI PEOPLE A PURPOSE Jerry Clements 2/19/07