Iraq Celebrates final redeployment of US Troops from it's cities.
By ParaTed2k
@ParaTed2k (22940)
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
June 29, 2009 4:57pm CST
Today is a historic day in world history. Over the last few weeks, the US and other coalition nations have pulled our troops from the cities of Iraq.
The people of Iraq have made history many times over the the last couple of decades. They have been forced to endure the murderous dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. Tey have had the opportunity to see the despot brought to justice and hanged for his crimes. They have also seen Chemical Ali brought to justice and punished for his crimes.
While the useless United Nations perpetuated Hussein's crimes (even celebrated and benefitted from them), the people of Iraq suffered... but that suffering has ended.
The people of Iraq taught the world a few lessons themselves. They risked their lives to enjoy their newly acquired right to vote. They moved foreward to have a say in the future of their nation. The purple thumbs replaced the red blood that flowed under Hussein.
Today is just another day, but what has been going on over the last few weeks in Iraq is far from just another event.
To the people of Iraq: You have new rights, new freedoms and a chance to make a fresh start. What was done for you and to you up to now has been beyond your control, what you do now will define your nation for generations to come.
It's up to you to decide what that definition will be. I wish the people of Iraq nothing but happiness and prosperity.
4 responses
@N4life (851)
• United States
30 Jun 09
I commend the American soldiers and the people of Iraq. My fear is that struggles which have been going on for centuries in the region will not end. My hopes are that a Democratic government that serves the people will be established. Unfortunately I don't think the overthrowing of Saddam Hussein will end the problems there. Of course there are always problems, even here in the U.S. Sometimes reality comes down to a minimization of those problems. I am not sure that will happen with the downfall of Saddam. I hope that I am wrong, but it will likely be more of the same or worse for the people of Iraq.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
30 Jun 09
That is all entirely up to the people of Iraq now.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
1 Jul 09
We had to start enforcing the terms of the ceasefire of 1991 some time. Allowing Hussein to break it at will only empowered Hussein and made things worse for the people of Iraq.
btw, I was in 1st COSCOM (18th Airborne Corps) in Desert Storm (Saudi Arabia and Iraq)... what unit were you in?
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
30 Jun 09
I too am hopeful that this new Iraqi control of their own military matters will work out for the best. Over the years, while we've been trying to help (and I have no doubt that's what the soldiers intentions were) we just became a big source of drama for them and after Sadam Hussein God knows they need no more of that. I hope that they can pull together all of their different factions and run the country well and democratically without reverting to civil war or dictatorship.
@heathcliff (1415)
• United States
30 Jun 09
I hope our troops over there are celebrating with them as well. It would be easy to view the celebration going on as you leave town to be about your leaving, but hopefully they remember this is about the Iraqis new lives not about them pulling out of town.
I also hope the Iraqi people consider America a friend to turn to now for further support in their growing freedom.
Today, as you say, is all about them. Perhaps a new National Holiday dawning. Hoorah!
@hotsummer (13919)
• Philippines
30 Jun 09
i feel happy that the US armies will finally leave and unite with their families. It is good news to all of us. But quite worried too for Iraq. hopefully they could handle their country by themselves.
