Congressional Panelist Equates Christian and Islamic Fundamentalism

Congressional Panelist Equates Christian and Islamic Fundamentalism

Washington DC,

In a series of hearings at the House Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight a surprising response came from one of the panelists.

The hearings covering the so called `Helsinki Agreement` an ad hoc attempt at unifying various forces in Iraq under the direction of Professor Padraig O`Malley, Professor at the University of Massachusetts in Boston.

The `Helsinki Process` described as `a collaboration between Iraqi political leaders and representatives of two other societies that suffered` had four of its members testify before the House committee on their ongoing project to build dialogue between the various parties in Iraq.

Basically made up of former opposing sides of the South African and Northern Ireland Conflicts, they use their former experiences to encourage dialogue in Iraq centering on the `Helsinki Agreements` signed by various parties in Iraq.

Mac Maraj a former underground commander of The African National Congress, previously a terrorist organization and now one party ruling party of South Africa led with discussions concerning the failure of US efforts in Iraq.

Following him, Roelf Meyer who led the negotiating team for the former Government of South Africa commented South Africa as the model for negotiations on Iraq.

Jeffrey Donaldsen and John Alderice who led opposite sides in the discussions in Northern Ireland compared the various sides of the conflict and final accords.

Organizer, O`Malley attempted to tie together the testimony before Chairman of the Subcommittee Bil Delahunt who offered his regular comments on the reconciliation efforts.

The general anti-American tone of the testimony made an additional turn in comments made by Lord John Alderice, a member of the UL Parliament from Northern Ireland.

`The whole problem in Iraq was cooked up by the right wing Christian fundamentalists led by George Bush and our former Prime Minister Blair. ` he said.

When questioned on the previous regime of Saddam Hussein and Islamic radicals currently terrorizing Iraq he said `The Christian Fundamentalists are the same as the Islamic Fundamentalists. They act from the same motives have the same worldviews.`

When given a chance to clarify his comments, in a later forum, Alderice refused to take them back, simply adding `these are my personal opinions` before launching into a similar series of comments on the similarity of Christian and Islamic `fundamentalism`.

One wonders first at the strong, anti-American feeling of the whole series of panels.

The lone exception was Jeffrey Donaldson, the Unionist Member of Parliament.

Official Congressional testimony with an astounding anti-Christian rhetoric capped by equating Christian Fundamentalism with Islamic Fundamentalism was clearly out of place.

Whether the so called `Helsinki Process` will succeed or fail is an open question, but with its anti-American and anti-Christian bent, it is sure to succeed in giving comfort and encouragement to the wrong side of the current conflict.

Ken Joseph Jr.

www.Kenjoseph.com

Iraqi President Sends Message

In an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the opening of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Iraqi President Jalal Talibani was upbeat on Iraq.

 

`Iraq is doing well. Violence is down dramatically and people are returning home.` he said.

 

Talibani is Kurdish, and Kurdistan, his area in Northern Iraq has autonomy. Kurdistan is in the middle of an economic book and is in fact doing quite well.

 

Separated from the rest of Iraq since the early 1990s, it has developed on its own and had a head start on the rest of Iraq which suffered under the stifling control of Saddam Hussein and his Baath party.

 

A source of controversy is a bill recently passed in the Iraqi Parliament to abolish Article 50 of the Iraqi Provincial Election Law that sets aside seats for Iraqi minorities.

 

There have been demonstrations throughout the world by various concerned groups including over 5,000 in demonstrations within Iraq.

 

In a nation where over 2 million people have left and are refugees both inside and outside the country, minorities including Yazidis, Shabak, as well as the indigenous people of Iraq, the Assyrian Christians and others are deeply concerned at what they see as an Islamic drift in the country with growing influence from Iran and other more conservative regimes.

 

They see Article 50 which sets aside seats for each minority to protect them as a check on that drift.

 

One Assyrian Christian representative asking for anonymity said `Article 50 which protects the minorities is critical for the future of Iraq. We feel in fact, that a similar provision should be in the Iraqi Parliament where for example we have only two seats out of 275.

 

If our numbers are properly considered ? 2.5 Million or approximately 10% of the country at the last count during the time of Saddam Hussein ? we should in fact have 10 seats.

 

`The law was just recently passed` Talibani said `it is not consistent with the Constitution nor with what we feel is needed for Iraq. We need to do all we can to help those who are currently displaced to return home. As President I have the right to amend what parliament passes and I can assure you that we will be amending the change in the law immediately.`

 

He continued `We need to protect our minorities and this change sends exactly the wrong message. We are doing all we can to help those displaced to return and recently have put together a plan to provide 10 million Dinars (Approximately 8,500) to all who return as well as help in building a home and starting business for all.`

 

In an earlier statements Prime Minister Nouri Maliki and Foreign Minister Zebari echoed Talibani`s words by promising monthly payments to all refugees from the ballooning Iraqi Oil Fund as well as recognition for an Assyrian Province in the homeland of the indigenous Assyrian Christians in Northern Iraq.

 

`We need to get a message to the Assyrians and others that now is the time to come home. Whatever they need we will do for them` Talibani concluded.

 

`Tell them all that I will personally make sure that Article be restored and to contact me directly if there are any problems. We will do all that is needed to get all of our people home, in particular our minorities and indigenous Assyrians.`

 

All politicians make promises. The `devil` is in the details. All who hope for progress in Iraq hope that Talibani, Maliki and Zebari`s promises come to be.

 

In response to skepticism that his words will end up just that, words, Talibani thundered with his deep voice `I am President! Don?t worry.`

 

Having recently had serious surgery, it was time to stop. A brief prayer and the `President` was off to return to Baghdad.

Iraqi Prime Minister Rejects Timetable!

In a wide ranging, interview, Iraqi President Nouri al Malaki appeared upbeat about the future of his country in contrast to the daily `bad news` coming from Iraq.

`I fully understand why bad news makes the news` Maliki said. `It is the nature of the world we live in. At the same time, I think it is important to let the world know that things in our country are improving dramatically.

Our unemployment rate has gone from nearly 70% to now under 30%. Our most recent growth rate was 3% and we have seen, in particular as a result of the recent Baghdad program a dramatic drop in so called sectarian violence.

Speaking through an interpreter, but often breaking in to confirm a comment, Maliki was in control.

`What is particular encouraging to me is the changes we have seen in our security forces and the trust from our people once again. We are finally seeing individual citizens provide information to our forces which has changed the situation dramatically in rooting out those who are determined to ruin our country.`

Maliki stressed three key goals. National Reconciliation, Economic Development and Expanded Security as the way forward.

`In spite of much information to the contrary, we are seeing a return to the Iraq we all once knew when we considered ourselves all Iraqis and not belonging to a particular sect or group.

Recently we have brought back large numbers of former members of the Baath Party who were not involved in any problems in the past and this has significantly helped to bring our people together` he said

`Economic development is taking place at a good rate. Part of the reason we are here is to encourage even more investment into our country. The monthly income of our people has gone from about $20 a month to now over $200. The dramatic rise in electrical use is one good sign that the economy is taking off. The stores are full.`

At the same time, Maliki saw security as the major concern going forward. `We need good and reliable security and we are doing all we can to expand the security forces so they can take charge. The key is the trust between the people and the security forces. This is where we have seen the most progress.`

Describing the current military situation as `moving from sectarian to outside interference` Maliki stressed that the so called `Baghdad Plan` was working. `We are seeing a dramatic drop in the sectarian conflicts and see our major challenge as that from the outside including Al Quaida and remainders of the Baathist groups.` he said.

`I think we are the only country in the region with a Human Rights Ministry - we have suffered much in the past, all of us and the Human Rights Ministry is dedicated to rooting out all forms of abuse. It is a positive sign`

Reacting to the question of a timetable, Maliki strongly objected saying `There is no timetable for the Multinational forces to leave. We are working together with our friends to bring security under control. The only `timetable` is that of our forces and our nation as a whole being able to assume responsibility for our situation.`

Reacting to large numbers of refugees in neighboring countries, Maliki said `We do not consider them refugees. they are displaced and we are doing all we can to create a sit uation where they can return. They are our responsibility and we do not need help from others to take them in - they will return home.`

Speaking to the minorities, many who in fact are in neighboring countries including an estimated nearly 500,000 Assyrian Christians Maliki said `I have a bias towards the Assyrian Christians. They are the indigenous people of our country and our our most nationalist and good people.`

`We want them to be inside the country and active and able to retake their rights. We will do all we can to help them. At the same time, if they feel they need an area, a province of their own as the Constitution provinces I support this fully`

The Assyrian Christians have made a formal request for a Province in their homeland which many see as the only way to persuade the many outside the country to return. The Assyr ian Province, under the same legal framework as neighboring Kurdistan is seen as a key to bring the Northern part of Iraq into stability.

Commenting on the death of Saddam Hussein Maliki said `In the end he was charged only for the deaths of a hundred people. He should have been charged for the deaths of the hundreds of thousands he really killed. We gave him a long and fair trial. It is unfortunate that pictures of his death were shown, but we are not used to doing this and we have learned a lot.`

With daily flights from many part of Europe and the Middle East, Iraq is slowly returning to a more normal state. At the same time, the Prime Minister was clear that any discussion of timetables for withdrawl of Multinational Forces would be disastrous.

`In the end we will be able to take care of ourselves. Meanwhile we need the help of our f riends to stand against those who want to harm us.

One Of Us!

St. Paul, Minnesota

I will never forget attending a meeting in Washington, where both President George Bush and his wife Laura, spoke.

Laura Bush opened the event she was beautiful, eloquent and brilliant.

She blew us all away!

And then there was President George Bush.

He wasn’t very brilliant. He was `ok`, but definitely not amazing.

But what brought us all over?

It was the simple fact that although George Bush didn’t bowl us over – to tell the truth he came across as being pretty nutty - Laura Bush sure did.

We just loved her! She was real and just like us.

I think we all concluded `He sure doesn’t have it, but if she was with him, he must be pretty good too!`

I have met John McCain many times in conjunction with working to try and get his support for the Assyrian Christians in Iraq.

He is always prickly, mean and short tempered.

A typical reaction to asking for his support for Christians in Iraq would be `we don’t support any particular group.`.

Not exactly a `one of us` comment!

In fact there might be a bit of history that makes him so `prickly`, particular to those of us of faith.

My father, Kennu Joseph Senior, knew John McCain Senior.

A second Generation Admiral, commander of the Pacific Fleet, he was a strident advocate for freedom.

Often when he would meet my father he would say `Pray for my son! He is away from God.`

John McCain Senior, was known as a godly man, rising up early in the morning to spend a hour or more in prayer, apparently much of it for his wayward son.

I think I share the same reaction of most conservatives of not being particulary excited about John McCain.

Why have we reluctantly supported him?

Because lined up with Barack Obama, he is clearly a choice of the lesser of two evils.

But, Sarah changed everything!

We may not be particularly exited about John, but like Laura Bush with George, if she is on his side, he must be ok!

Why? Because she is one of us!

Just listen to her words!
`They love their country, in good times and bad, and they're always proud of America.`

`By the grace of God ... the special confidence of those who have seen evil, and seen how evil is overcome.`

`I'm just one of many moms who'll say an extra prayer each night for our sons and daughters going into harm's way.`

`But we are expected to govern with integrity, good will, clear convictions, and ... a servant's heart. `

What was so difficult about listening to the Democratic Convention?

They didn’t use our language and the few times they `prayed`, you could run a knife through the thick, icy atmosphere.

For people of faith, real faith it is words like `the Grace of God`, `a Servants Heart` and `prayer`, said in passing that grips our hearts.

We know for all the human frailties and the brilliance of campaigns and political rhetoric, at the end of the day we are at best Servants of God.

For some reason we will only understand in Glory, God chooses each of us, in spite of ourselves.

What finally put just about everybody over? The simple fact that she is `normal`, too.

Married, five Children, struggling to balance everything and a daughter that got pregnant before she was married.

Thank goodness for that sweet daughter. That really convinced me she is truly `one of us`.

Being people of faith, doesn’t mean we are perfect. It simply means that we see the world through glasses of hope, belief, faith and a higher purpose.

It means that we struggle every day with the same problems, disappointments and human failings as does anybody except for two special words, quoted by John McCain when asked what was meaningful in his life.

He replied `I believe in forgiveness and redemption`.

People of faith are not better, but simply forgiven and redeemed.

Is John McCain one of us?

Not quite yet, but with Sarah and the prayers of a special father on his side he is on his way!

Ken Joseph Jr.

Prime Minister Maliki Speaks!

In a wide ranging, interview, Iraqi President Nouri al Malaki appeared upbeat about the future of his country in contrast to the daily `bad news` coming from Iraq.

`I fully understand why bad news makes the news` Maliki said. `It is the nature of the world we live in.

At the same time, I think it is important to let the world know that things in our country are improving dramatically.

Our unemployment rate has gone from nearly 70% to now under 30%. Our most recent growth rate was 3% and we have seen, in particular as a result of the recent Baghdad program a dramatic drop in so called sectarian violence.

Speaking through an interpreter, but often breaking in to confirm a comment, Maliki was in control.

`What is particular encouraging to me is the changes we have seen in our security forces and the trust from our people once again.

We are finally seeing individual citizens provide information to our forces which has changed the situation dramatically in rooting out those who are determined to ruin our country.

` Maliki stressed three key goals. National Reconciliation, Economic Development and Expanded Security as the way forward.

In spite of much information to the contrary, we are seeing a return to the Iraq we all once knew when we considered ourselves all Iraqis and not belonging to a particular sect or group.

Recently we have brought back large numbers of former members of the Baath Party who were not involved in any problems in the past and this has significantly helped to bring our people together` he said.

`Economic development is taking place at a good rate. Part of the reason we are here is to encourage even more investment into our country.

The monthly income of our people has gone from about $20 a month to now over $200. The dramatic rise in electrical use is one good sign that the economy is taking off. The stores are full.`

At the same time, Maliki saw security as the major concern going forward.

`We need good and reliable security and we are doing all we can to expand the security forces so they can take charge. The key is the trust between the people and the security forces. This is where we have seen the most progress.`

Describing the current military situation as `moving from sectarian to outside interference` Maliki stressed that the so called `Baghdad Plan` was working.

`We are seeing a dramatic drop in the sectarian conflicts and see our major challenge as that from the outside including Al Quaida and remainders of the Baathist groups.` he said.

`I think we are the only country in the region with a Human Rights Ministry - we have suffered much in the past, all of us and the Human Rights Ministry is dedicated to rooting out all forms of abuse. It is a positive sign`

Reacting to the question of a timetable, Maliki strongly objected saying `There is no timetable for the Multinational forces to leave. We are working together with our friends to bring security under control. The only `timetable` is that of our forces and our nation as a whole being able to assume responsibility for our situation.`

Reacting to large numbers of refugees in neighboring countries, Maliki said `We do not consider them refugees. they are displaced and we are doing all we can to create a situation where they can return.

They are our responsibility and we do not need help from others to take them in - they will return home.` Speaking to the minorities, many who in fact are in neighboring countries including an estimated nearly 500,000 Assyrian Christians Maliki said `I have a bias towards the Assyrian Christians.

They are the indigenous people of our country and our our most nationalist and good people.`

`We want them to be inside the country and active and able to retake their rights. We will do all we can to help them. At the same time, if they feel they need an area, a province of their own as the Constitution provinces

I support this fully` The Assyrian Christians have made a formal request for a Province in their homeland which many see as the only way to persuade the many outside the country to return.

The Assyrian Province, under the same legal framework as neighboring Kurdistan is seen as a key to bring the Northern part of Iraq into stability.

Commenting on the death of Saddam Hussein Maliki said `In the end he was charged only for the deaths of a hundred people.

He should have been charged for the deaths of the hundreds of thousands he really killed. We gave him a long and fair trial. It is unfortunate that pictures of his death were shown, but we are not used to doing this and we have learned a lot.` With daily flights from many part of Europe and the Middle East, Iraq is slowly returning to a more normal state.

At the same time, the Prime Minister was clear that any discussion of timetables for withdrawl of Multinational Forces would be disastrous. `In the end we will be able to take care of ourselves. Meanwhile we need the help of our friends to stand against those who want to harm us.

Ken Joseph Jr.

Who Lost Iraq?

As the dust begins to settle around the dream that was Iraq, the finger pointing is beginning.

`Who lost Iraq?` is the simple, but profound question that many are beginning to ask.

As one who was in Iraq during the time of Saddam and has been their since as an Assyrian Christian, the indigenous people of Iraq the answer to that question is not just academic - it directly relates to the future of our people, the Assyrian Christians who are the original people of Iraq long before the Arabs came.

We are the people of `Nineveh` to whom Jonah came and comprise one of the last remaining major Christian communities in the Middle East.

First, is the question of Saddam. I was there. In an upcoming book entitled `I Was Wrong` I describe what life was under Saddam. I was originally against the war, but when I saw the terror that was Saddam and the pain my family lived under I was quickly brought back to reality.

It was terrible under Saddam Hussein! The `real` Abu Ghraib prison was a place where my relatives were beaten every day - after Lunch and Dinner. Monday and Saturday were the days people were hanged.

My relatives reaction to the Abu Ghraib `scandal`? They were angry - angry at the fact that the Americans could not do anything to try and get the truth out of those who oppressed them!

Chemical weapons? I was there! The great fear of the residents of Baghdad in the days leading up to the war were not the Americans - they were afraid of Saddam and all the weapons they believed he had and how he would unleash them on them when cornered. Everybody believed he had every possible weapon to obtain and would unleash it all!

Second, the deep appreciation for the Liberation of their country from Saddam. I was there! Imagine for the first time in your life being able to use a cellphone, surf the internet, speak on the telephone without fear, talk to your neighbors without being afraid, watch `normal` TV, wake up in the morning without having to see Saddam everywhere! Happy? They were delirious to have him gone!

Third, though is the real question. Why has Iraq gone so badly? The answer is a bit complicated, but there is an answer and it is still not too late.

Simply put Iraq was `lost` by Americans. Essentially two types of Americans who ruled Iraq in the days and months following the fall of Saddam.

In my upcoming book, `I Was Wrong`, I detail the many experiences we had firsthand.

The first type was what I call the `good guys`! If Americans have one major fault it is that they are so positive and forward looking and `good` that they have a hard time understanding how `evil`, `Evil` really is!

That was the lesson I learned under Saddam. Yes, he was really that evil and yes, in the 21st century there is such evil!

The `good guys`, where the `aw shucks` Americans that came into Iraq and did their best to organize, fix and restore Iraq. They could not imagine that anyone would purposely try to work against what clearly the Iraqis wanted.

I watched them, many times with tears in my eyes as they worked so hard, under such terrible conditions to make things better for Iraq.

`Why are you here?` I would ask over and over. The answer was always the same `I just want the Iraqis to have what we have. Just doing my job!`

How simple, how naïve and yet how powerful.

A half century my own parents came to Japan following the end of the war with Japan and are still there. In talking to the men and women risking their lives to see Iraq restored I kept flashing back to my own parents.

A half century after he had first gone to Japan I asked my own father `Why, Dad did you come to Japan`

His answer? `Because Japan needed help!`. DAD! That’s all? You have been here for 50 years now.

No matter how hard I push him that is all the answer I can get. `Because they need help?` How foolish! How naïve! How powerful!

The first group that `lost Iraq` are the `good guys` the men and women who gave of their lives and their time to rebuild Iraq so the Iraqis could be free.

As my father, a half century after he first came they cannot understand or fathom how evil people can be that they would work against progress, blow up children, rape women and destroy oil fields.

They just don’t understand!

The second group? `The opportunists`. These were many of the people working in the CPA - Coalition Provisional Authority who were there not to see Iraq restored, but simply to get a good line on their resumes and to get a job in the new administration.

A year ago those who were hoping for a job in a Kerry Administration had every incentive to see Iraq fail. While it is very difficult to point to specific instances, put yourself in the position of a staffer desperate for a job in a Kerry administration in January.

The best way to insure it? For Iraq to fail! Did it happen? I am absolutely confident it did. I saw it every day!

I am putting out a call to all who were working at CPA headquarters and others to come forward with details of how the `opportunists` worked against success simply to insure they would have a job in January!

A `forgotten` poster which was supposed to be posed all over the country announcing the plans of the CPA. `Accidentally `delayed telephones, computer systems and a host of other supplies we saw daily.

A whole class of staffers working subconsciously and often consciously to in their own little small way have Iraq `fail` so they could get a job in a new administration which would be directly linked to the failure of Iraq.

The third group? The mostly British `moslem experts` dispatched to `guide` the CPA.

I met them everywhere. They were and continue to be evil personified With beautiful British accents, though they always bowled over the Americans, enamored at the `class` that the Queens English always provides.

Outwardly liberal, democratic, free-loving, they were in actuality evil, promoters of the Islamic Republic of Iraq, always smiling and deceiving the `nice guys` who trusted the `advisors` as they interpreted, explained the `culture` and in as many ways as they could worked against any success that the CPA might attain by working in a calculated way to deliver Iraq to their paymasters in the `evil empire` which is radical islam.

Who betrayed Iraq? The `good guys` who naively believed, the `chasers` who desperately hoped Iraq would fail for their simple job needs and the `experts` who systematically dismantled all the good done for the Iraqi people.

In particular, who betrayed Iraq? In contrast to the `no-nonsense` Military Officer Jay Garner, I had the honor of meeting, I confronted Paul Bremer, his pathetic successor who personally betrayed the people of Iraq by turning it over before it was ready just to personally get out.

Unacceptable!

Is it too late? No!

We still have time to remedy the mistakes and deliver Iraq once again to is long suffering people.

The most important tool still remaining is the Constitution. Former Ambassador Paul Bremer betrayed the Iraqi people when in spite of the Iraqi Constitutional Committee voting that there `should be no mention of religion or ideology` in the new Iraqi Constitution, pushed on it article 7 which reads `Islam is the religion of the state`.

Imagine, fighting a war, sacrificing so many to create `The Islamic Republic of Iraq`.

The United States and fellow donors in the EU and Japan must absolutely demand that the Iraqi Constitution be secular with no mention of `religion or ideality` as the Iraqi people who are throughout secular want.

Second, is realizing that Iraq is in fact four countries - `Shiastan` in the south, `Sunnistan` in the middle, `Kurdistan` in the Northeast and `Assyria` in the North.

The secret to success in Iraq? Providing maximum local autonomy and self government in the four `states` that constitute Iraq. The way to preserve the whole, as the United States has shown the rest of the world for over 200 years is to provide maximum autonomy to the states.

Can Iraq succeed? Yes it can!

It is succeeding fabulously! Internet service everywhere, freedom to speak, talk on the telephone, business is booming and the list goes on.

Over a half century ago when my parents first came to Japan America succeeded and an enemy - Japan - went on to become a friend and a partner.

Why? Because the US absolutely insisted on a secular and democratic constitution. The pressure was tremendous to compromise and give in, but the US prevailed and the results have `stuck` for a 60 years!

We can do the same in Iraq. Follow the example of Japan and absolutely insist that 1800 brave young Americans did not give their lives for `The Islamic Republic of Iraq` bur for freedom, democracy and the rule of law.

An absolute insistence on a secular constitution and local autonomy for the distinct people groups in Iraq is the way forward.

A successful Iraq will `dominoes` thought the region and the world. After all, freedom is the cry of every man and woman.

If we fail, `The Islamic Republic of Iraq` - an Iranian clone, but with the second largest oil reserves in the world will be unleashed onto the face of the earth in a manner that will pale in comparison to Saddam and Iran.

Stay the course! Insist on freedom, democracy and the rule of law! There is still time before the October 15 vote on the constitution to not ask, not urge, but as America did in Japan 60 years ago insist that the Constitution be secular and democratic with a bill of rights and complete local autonomy to the states so the whole can be preserved by the maximum autonomy of the parts.

As the very simple question, whether you were for or against the war `Did 1800 plus brave young men and women give their lives to create The Islamic Republic of Iraq`?

The Answer is clear!



Ken Joseph Jr. brought the first relief convoy into Iraq following the end of the war, directs Assyrianchristians.com and is currently completing `I Was Wrong` which will be out in the Fall.

Map: http://www.assyrianchristians.com/adim_areas.pdf

Constitution: http://www.assyrianchristians.com/basic_law_june_04_04.htm

Congressional: http://www.assyrianchristians.com/report_assyrian_admin_may_17_04.htm

Assyrians to Form Iraqi Province

Iraqi Foreign Minister Says Assyrian Christians to Return and Form Their Own Province in Iraq and Help Rebuild the Nation

Speaking publicly as well as privately Hoshiyar Zebari refuted claims that the failure to find Weapons of Mass Destruction meant the war was not justified and encouraged minority Assyrian Christians to return and form their own province in Iraq and help rebuild the nation.

Speaking forcefully, at times to a hostile audience he dismissed claims that the Iraqi people felt they were `occupied` and personally thanked the United States and other Coalition partners for saving Iraq from `dictatorship, cruelty - the worst in the world.`

In a dramatic response to questions concerning Iraq’s possession of Weapons of Mass Destruction before the War, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshar Zebari at times appearing even angry said `We as Iraqis feel the war was fully justified from both a humanitarian and moral point of view.`

`We actually died from weapons of mass destruction used in Iraq by Saddam Hussein.` he said ` We don’t need outsiders to tell us what Saddam did or did not have. He did have, develop and used weapons of mass destruction.` ` We experience it firsthand - he used it against us! Whether he buried it, sold it, hid it or took it out of the country we do not know but that is beside the point.`

`The Iraqi people are grateful to the United States for their sacrifice to liberate us after years of dictatorship, cruelty which was the worst in the world. The whole area and for that matter the world is better off to have this dictatorship gone.`

In comments in direct opposition to reports suggesting first that the failure to find weapons of mass destruction meant that the war had been wrong and that the majority of Iraqis see the Coalition forces as `Occupiers`, Zebari could not have been more clear.

`The Multinational Forces are not occupiers! That sentiment is felt by the vast majority of the Iraqi people. We cannot have the current forces leave or there will be a vacuum created that will send a wrong message to our enemies. A premature withdrawal will be very, very dangerous. We can defend ourselves, but because of the complete collapse of the former government system we need time to become self-reliant.`

Giving a vision for the future of Iraq, Zebari said he saw an Iraq that centered around Democracy, a Federal system of government and equality.

Appearing to concerned with the Islamic drift in Iraq exemplified in the very `Islamic` Constitution he said . `There are many who have expressed concern about the current constitution and its strong use of Islam. This is definitely an area of concern. At the same time we feel that two further parts of the constitution regarding first Human Rights and Freedom of religion should be able to balance the problems. At the same time there are concerns`.

Referring to the Assyrian Christians, who estimates say up to 100,000 have left the country due to fears about the Islamic drift of the country, Zebari put out a welcome. `They are free to organize a province or regional government. It should not be just because we have Kurdistan, but should be organized around an area. If they can do it in three provinces or even one it should and can be done.`

Referring to the long term future of Iraq, in a surprising comment suggested that Iraq could organize a `Status of Forces Agreement` as Japan and Germany had after the war to have long term security assistance in the country.

`I believe that a SOFA type of agreement is very possible. Countries in our area like Turkey, Qatar, Bahrain and others have it. We do not see it as occupation but rather helping us keep our security, in particular from neighbors in the region who wish us harm.`

All in all, speaking at times to a hostile audience Zebari came out `swinging` in his defense of the path Iraq was going, in very clear and unequivocal language taking on each of the claims that have formed the core of the push for early Coalition withdrawal and in particular encouraging the original people of Iraq - the Assyrian Christians to not only stay in the country, but return from overseas and create what many in the community have seen as a dream of a regional administrative government - a word many have been waiting to hear.

Speaking on a withdrawal as some have called for, Zebari was very clear in saying `We must not create a vacuum - it will be exploited including a timetable. In December there will be a new government. It needs time to organize itself. Next year we should be able to see things more clearly, but most of all the Iraqi people are grateful to the world who Liberated us. We will not forget who our friends are - that sentiment is felt by the great majority of the Iraqi people.` 

Who Lost Iraq?

Can Iraq succeed? Yes it can!

It is succeeding fabulously! Internet service everywhere, freedom to speak, talk on the telephone, business is booming and the list goes on.

Over a half century ago when my parents first came to Japan America succeeded and an enemy - Japan - went on to become a friend and a partner.

Why? Because the US absolutely insisted on a secular and democratic constitution. The pressure was tremendous to compromise and give in, but the US prevailed and the results have `stuck` for a 60 years!

We can do the same in Iraq. Follow the example of Japan and absolutely insist that 1800 brave young Americans did not give their lives for `The Islamic Republic of Iraq` bur for freedom, democracy and the rule of law.

An absolute insistence on a secular constitution and local autonomy for the distinct people groups in Iraq is the way forward.

A successful Iraq will `dominoes` thought the region and the world. After all, freedom is the cry of every man and woman.

If we fail, `The Islamic Republic of Iraq` - an Iranian clone, but with the second largest oil reserves in the world will be unleashed onto the face of the earth in a manner that will pale in comparison to Saddam and Iran.

Stay the course! Insist on freedom, democracy and the rule of law! There is still time before the October 15 vote on the constitution to not ask, not urge, but as America did in Japan 60 years ago insist that the Constitution be secular and democratic with a bill of rights and complete local autonomy to the states so the whole can be preserved by the maximum autonomy of the parts.

As the very simple question, whether you were for or against the war `Did 1800 plus brave young men and women give their lives to create The Islamic Republic of Iraq`?

The Answer is clear!

Ken Joseph Jr. brought the first relief convoy into Iraq following the end of the war, directs Assyrianchristians.com and is currently completing `I Was Wrong` which will be out in the Fall.

Map: http://www.assyrianchristians.com/adim_areas.pdf

Constitution: http://www.assyrianchristians.com/basic_law_june_04_04.htm

Congressional: http://www.assyrianchristians.com/report_assyrian_admin_may_17_04.htm