During Saddam's reign, Iraqis used to have many celebrations that were holding according to the wishes of the necessity leader at that time "Saddam". Saddam used to give these days shiny names like "Dignity Day", "Chivalry Day", "the Great Victory Day", and "the Day of the Great March". These "Days" were accompanying with instructed celebrations. Iraqis used to participate in these celebrations to avoid problem with Saddam's regime.
At that time I envied those people who have spontaneous national celebrations. After the occupation "Collapse Day" 2003, I hoped this policy would end and we would start a new life with new policy.
Recently our new government decided to borrow the policy of naming days from the former regime. Now we have "Pride Day" which is the day of American withdrawal from the cities.
Unfortunately many of current policies remind me and other Iraqis of former policies. Two weeks ago I attended a meeting for Maliki with the commanders of MOD and MOI. All the details of this meeting took me back to the Saddam's time staring with the speeches that were glorifying Maliki and ending with Maliki's instructions to hold celebrations all over Iraq to show happiness as if Iraqis can not experience happiness without these instructions. Yes, most Iraqis are very happy with the withdrawal of the American forces but they don’t need any instructions that remind them of dark era. Iraqis will be happy if they forget the "Miserable Days".
After six years Iraqis are still waiting for the "Achievement Day" when the successive governments provide them with the necessary services.
Hopefully, the US withdrawl will help spur the Iraqi government to action. I know we've been giving an awful lot of handouts to the government, helped keep it afloat both at the national and local levels... I don't think that's what Iraq needs. I think Achievement Day will come after Iraqis take pride in their country - and the leaders step up to make it something to be proud of.
Posted by: Moustache Man | June 29, 2009 at 07:37 AM
I don't want to be mean, insensitive, intolerant, or religio-centrist; but have you thought to possibly include Christmas, Easter, and Sunday? It might help, after all, Jesus IS God. I pray Jesus brings peace to your land. Amen.
Posted by: A Christian | June 29, 2009 at 12:02 AM
"After six years Iraqis are still waiting for the "Achievement Day" when the successive governments provide them with the necessary services."
I'll desperately wait for that day!! But will it come??
Thanks!
Posted by: زهرة الراوي | June 26, 2009 at 02:51 PM