IRAQI FORCES INCREASE FOR THE NATION’S SAFE KEEPING

J. Grant Swank, Jr.

It is almost impossible to take in the advancements in the New Iraq, despite the daily mainstream news that accents difficulties in planting a democracy. Nevertheless, along with the problems are the reasons for encouragement.

A most significant reason is realizing the increase of Iraqi armed forces increasing, eventually defending their own New Iraq. This would have been unheard of naturally during the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein.

However, since the March 19, 2003, start of Operation Iraqi Freedom till the present, we now have the Military Training Base in Kirkush graduating 1,500 soldiers. That equals 27 battalions of nine brigades. That means that there is a real-life new Iraqi army in real-time operation.

At Numaniyah in recent days, graduations proudly produced 3,000+ "new soldiers to units throughout Iraq, officials said, and next week, another 600 soldiers are expected to graduate from the Iraqi Training Battalion — adding roughly 5,000 new soldiers to the Iraqi army ranks," as reported by American Forces Press Service’s Sgt. Lorie Jewell, USA.

While skeptics kept harping that the US-led Coalition would never be replaced by Iraqi troops, they are proven wrong. Every day US-led Coalition mentors have been hard at work in putting in place the Iraqi security forces.

The mainstream media in the US has been uniquely silent about this military marvel; however, those attuned to the fine-line detail of New Iraq progress have taken it all in. And with the take-in is thanks to the United States President George W. Bush who stayed the course while withstanding most discouraging lack of support from Europe and the Democratic Party.

"’Training is an essential tool to a combat soldier,’ said Iraqi Gen. Am Jad, deputy chief of staff for training for the Iraqi army, in addressing the soldiers. ‘Be sure to carry everything you have learned here onto the battlefield.’"

Just as American graduation classes hear words of wisdom from those seasoned in the trade, so with the Iraqi graduates. They were sent forth with words of commendation and hope mixed with trust from those who trained them.

"’We will be the light to lighten the darkness in this country,’ Col. Sabre, 2nd Regiment commander, told the soldiers. ‘We will protect the integrity of this country.’"

It does appear as if Operation Iraqi Freedom is yielding its fruit throughout the New Iraq so as to insure a freedom base for years to come. It’s all because of the US President and US Defense Secretary Donald Rumself and colleagues. These are the men and women who believed that liberties could be taken to another country, particularly one held captive by a ruthless ruler. Even to a country with a Muslim tradition.

It is sad that the worldwide Arab conference meeting today did not recognize such accomplishments in New Iraq. Not one word of commendation was made for the past two years’ successes in Iraq. Not one word. Could it be that the despots who gathered under one roof are quite fearful of what could happen to their seats of power if they started to recognize a democracy? That no doubt is truth.

Those Muslim countries still held in control by tyrants — most of them quite rich because of the citizenry — would have to submit to the voters, permit elections such as the historic January 30 ballot cast in New Iraq, and actually permit liberties to blossom throughout their countries. That would be quite the price to pay for giving up their wealth and might.

No matter. The New Iraq still stands for liberties yearned for by people everywhere. As more and more grassroots efforts are forthcoming, more previously held captive nations will come into their own democracy plantings. It’s in the winds of change for the better.

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