CPTnet
23 July 2005

IRAQ REFLECTION: The Other Iraq

by Greg Rollins

The Other Iraq was the one that had weapons of mass destruction. It was the
one that had nuclear laboratories on the backs of huge semi trucks that
could move around so the U.N. couldn't find them. It was the Iraq that
purchased uranium from some African country. The Iraq that was somehow
connected to Al Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden and the attacks on September 11. It
was the Iraq that never had a problem with depleted uranium. It was the Iraq
that was a menace to freedom and freedom- loving nations throughout the
world.

Today, the Other Iraq is flourishing, free from oppression and fear. The
city of Fallujah, in the Other Iraq, is safe from insurgents. It is the Iraq
where the militants that somehow gained access across the borders are in
their last throes. Anytime now the U.S. will defeat them. It is the Iraq
that has elected a stable government and that is creating a viable
constitution where other Iraqi citizens will soon live in safety and
freedom.

The Other Iraq is the Iraq where the U.S. will be able to start reducing its
troop level by the end of the year. It is the Iraq that has an abundance of
water, electricity and jobs and where the medical situation has never been
better. Reconstruction in the Other Iraq thrives. All the money that goes
to rebuilding the country finds its way into the local economy. It is the
Iraq that continuously welcomes the U.S. occupation. It is the nation that
has trustworthy politicians and well-trained, honest and just security
forces.

In the Other Iraq they still don't have a problem with depleted uranium.

In the Other Iraq only a handful of U.S. troops have committed human rights
violations against other Iraqi civilians and prisoners. In the U.S. prisons
in the Other Iraq, 90% of the prisoners are guilty and only 10% are innocent
but will be freed soon with full apologies. In the Other Iraq the concerns
of the voiceless are always listened to.

The Other Iraq is the Iraq that you have heard about in the speeches made by
George W. Bush and referred to by vice-president Dick Cheney. It is the
country in the Middle East that is the furthest along on the path to
democracy.

The Other Iraq is nothing like the real Iraq. The real Iraq did not have
weapons of mass destruction and was not connected to Osama Bin Ladan. It is
not flourishing. The voiceless are never listened to. There is little water
or electricity and unemployment is said to be as high as 40%. The real Iraq
is the Iraq that George W. Bush does not talk about. Real Iraqis understand
this. When they hear Bush talk about the Other Iraq, they want to know where
the Other Iraq is.