US Oppression In Iraq

Read or watch the news these days and you'll certainly hear about how America is losing the peace in Iraq. We have oppressed the people, encouraged them to loot, and lied about our reasons for the war. But you almost never see articles like this one talking about political freedom unless you go searching them out.

It's significant that 1000 people came out to support a party who is openly calling for the end of the US military presence in Iraq. Saying the wrong thing during Saddam's reign would have gotten your tongue cut out. Criticizing the US is not only allowed, but accepted and encouraged.

This is not exactly the trademark of an oppressive occupier. We're supposed to be cracking heads and performing summary executions. We're not supposed to be allowing new political parties, especially not ones that are opposed to us. Even our administrator in Iraq is being called "nice."

Someone here has a lot to learn. Either we need to be more violent and oppressive in our occupation or the media and the Iraqis need to be more understanding that we are there to liberate them - the ultimate goal being to turn the government over to an Iraqi government.

At least they've already figured out that they don't want the UN running the show. Progress is being made.