Looters vs Iraqis of Dignity

Submitted by Shoshona Bieman (United States), Apr 23, 2003 at 07:33

Not to impugn all Iraqis -- this is for those who looted and pillaged, as opposed to those who kept their dignity and morals intact:

In the course of several frenzied days, those who looted gave as much of a black-eye to Islam as the blood-thirsty, murderous terrorists.

The terrorists destroyed lives. The looters pillaged and destroyed their own legacy.

I can understand the feeling of liberation of coming out from under the boot-heel and brutality of the Saddam Hussein regime -- but it made no sense to go on a mindless spree to steal and destroy and act like mini-Saddams.

In their frenetic spree, they have robbed from their neighbors and deprived them of the full benefits of their legacy.

The bottom line is that the cost of rebuilding has multiplied exponentially and it will now take longer for Iraq to get back on its feet.

The USA wants nothing more than to help Iraq back onto the road to self-sufficency and independence -- but it will take longer for the US to feel confident about turning full control over to the Iraqis.

Hopefully, Iraqi leaders will rise up with the wisdom to understand the US position and will work with us and encourage their countrymen to expedite the process. Calming down, exercising restraint and discovering the power of cooperation will go far in this post-Saddam era.

I wish the very best to Iraq. We have given them a rare and precious gift -- I pray they have the wisdom to not squander this wonderful opportunity for a renaissance and a new, free Iraq.

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