Excuse me for shouting but, with Bush and Blair's selective imposition of their brand of democracy, this article makes one thing very clear:

IRAQI WOMEN HAD IT BETTER UNDER SADDAM HUSSEIN
THAN UNDER BUSH AND BLAIR.

When can we expect a mainstream media, that was gung ho for the illegal war, to make this issue of Iraqi women a front page story? Perhaps when that media tells us who should be facing trial alongside Saddam Hussein.

The future for women in Iraq is going to slowly improve over time. The issue is the imposition of Shari'a law in the new constitution. I heard this morning from the US ambassador this morning. He said Shari'a law will not be part of this document.
One can be comforted that the goal is equality of the sexes. This won't please all in Iraq, but that's the way it's going to be.
I think if you recall some of the inappropriate actions that were done by Sadam's sons it would be a stretch to compare this to the treatment women are recieving from the coalition troops.

Women in Iraq under the secular Baath party did have it better than the rest of the Middle East. However a lot of that changed in the late 80’s and early 90’s when Saddam needed Islamic support and tried to repackage himself as a devout Muslim. However the price was quite high, 1.2 million dead in the Iran-Iraq war, plus all of the missing from Saddam’s brutal internal crackdowns and serious human rights abuse. This is more a sad statement of a woman’s lot in the Middle East, than a promotion of Saddam’s regime. Plus, god help any woman that caught Udey’s eye, Saddam’s son was known to take or rape any woman he wanted.

The Iranian are using this situation to push their own Islamic agenda and are using Sadar’s militia to intimidate people, while the Iranian Intelligence and special operatives supply weapons and training to insurgents.

I hope that the progressives are able to counter the Islamic fundamentalist during the writing of the new Constitution, it seems they have been able to keep the word “Islamic” out of the title of for the new Iraq. Even if things go backwards for awhile, Iraq has a strong secular base which will be able to consolidate once thing settle down. I hope the best for them.
I noticed the author is silent on the fact that both Iran and Syria are doing their best to advance their agenda’s or that most of the killing of women and children is being done by Insurgents who purposely target civilians. Lets not forget how Saddam released all the criminals from jail just prior to the invasion either.

Which women, the Kurdish ones who were being gassed? The marsh Arabs who were basically eradicated. You can shout all you want, but that doesn't make you any less loud and abnoxious, nor any more credible.

Stability in Iraq is the issue, but thanks for the constructive comments.

Did anyone notice buried in the other atrocious statistics that children's malnutrition has doubled. If the US and Britian aren't simply raping this country for it's natural resources why are children worse off under the "liberators" What's hard about distributing rations to starving children?

A lot of this has to do with the "insurgency", although thats probably the wrong word as most of the attacks are not against an occupying force but against the local populations.

The assasination of members of NGOs and attacks on the UN presence really put a damper on distribution, and have limited the ability to get aid out, as benevolent organizations are under constant risk of being attacked, and as much as the US/UK has a large troop contingency, it is not nearly enough to guarantee safety of distribution efforts. Further attacks on electrical lines and water treatment facilities, have made it hard to get aid where it is necessary.

So in answer to your question, its hard to distribute rations to starving children when people are trying to assasinate you for collaberating with the occupiers. Its even harder, when rebels are attacking civilians as a political means of turning the population against a newley elected government.

While the coalition forces made serious mistakes (ie, not securing the borders, major ammunition dumps, and laying off most of the armed forces), some of Sadam's final moves were to release dangerous criminals from the prisons, which surely added to the problems now.

dangrice,

Truth is the first casualty.

Blame the present killing on insurgency if you will, but a nation so into dirty tricks and covert operations, as the U.S. is, is not beyond contriving situations for which insurgents will be blamed.

The U.S. injected itself into an area of the world where tribal conflicts have occurred since the beginning of time. I don't trust the figures of a nation that must further demonize the Iraqi leader after the indiscriminate killing of thousands of Iraqi citizens. (Shock and awe - remember?)

How much of that gassing occurred when Saddam Hussein and the U.S. were hand in glove?

If Hussein is a war criminal he should get his just desserts as should those of the U.S. and U.K.

Yes, but incredibility is not the cure nor should conspiracy be taken to the point of lunacy.

As to the gassing, at the time the US Congress moved to put heavy sanctions on Iraq, but Regan killed it, so its true that even within the US, there exists more than one mentality. But the US never injected itself, they were pulled in when they were pushed to the limit with Hussein's destabilizing moves in Kuwait, and were never able to remove themselves from the arena, before that they were looking for economic partnerships and made some real bad bedfellows.

redhandjill; Where did you get the information that malnutrition has doubled in children ?

Ron,
Go to the article that we are responding to. The author refers to this malnutrition among chidren.

skiptikool; I rest my case.

How low has the Tyee sunk when one of its contributing authors yearns for the days when women "were the most liberated" under Saddam Hussein. How liberated were the ones who got raped by Uday Hussein?

"How liberated were the ones who got raped by Uday Hussein?"

An anecdote has been taken here to discredit the author and The Tyee. It's a low punch.

Few countries and cultures are without their power-tripping kooks. Rape and murder are certainly not unheard of on this continent.

The point has been made that while Iraqi women, under Saddam Hussein, may not have enjoyed the freedoms of Western women, they
were comparatively better off than most of those of other M.E. countries.

RON ERWIN:
I'm so glad to hearnnnn

Well the article had some good points, it was poorly written and was so wrapped up in bashing the US, that the author made themselves look silly by appearing to bemoan the loss of a murderous dictator, with friends like this, you don’t need enemies. She hurts the cause of women with articles like this.

"The point has been made that while Iraqi women, under Saddam Hussein, may not have enjoyed the freedoms of Western women, they were comparatively better off than most of those of other M.E. countries."

Really? By whose definition? I read and listen to Iraqis every single day, and women ane NOT pining for the 'good old days' under Saddam. Yes, Iraqis desparately want the 'security' they had before, but little else.

It is also true that Iraqi women must now FIGHT for their rights like women do in all non-authoritarian countries. But if democracy in Iraq lasts, they will be 10-times better equipped to do so than they were under the whims of Saddam and local religious leaders, who set women's rights to be whatever 'they' decided they should be.

There is widespread support for women's rights among Iraqis. I can only hope that the new laws of the land will reflect this. But even if they don't 'at first', I have every confidence that Iraqi women will assert their new democratic powers over time, and thereby advance both themselves and their country.

I respect Ms. Zangana's opinions, but I would surely like to know why she has ZERO criticism for the people perpetrating most of the crimes against Iraqis TODAY?

In this, as in other articles, she lists the security nighmares facing Iraqis, but has critism only for the US. Yet the vast majority of Iraqi death and fear are today caused by Iraqis and Muslims. She seems to imply that this is all 'really' the fault of the US - that these people should not be blamed for their own actions. In other words, it is only natural and even 'justified' that Muslims should deliberately murder innocents when their is no dictator to stop them.

As an Iraqi, she has every right to criticize America for its errors and abuses in Iraq. But where is the outrage at what other 'Muslims' are doing to Iraqis? After all, it is not 'Americans' that are killing dozens of Iraqis every single day.

Regardless of her opinions on the invasion itself, the fact is that 97% of the civilian deaths in the past year were caused by Muslims. This does not mean that the 3% still killed by western troops do not deserve criticm, but surely the crime and insurgency demands outrage and condemnation by anyone that cares about Iraqis. It is these groups that kill civilian Iraqis by the dozens - DELIBERATELY!

It is also important to note that the increase in child mortality and lack of essential services, which are major causes of Iraqi suffering, are STRONGLY related to the insurgency and criminal elements. They are the ones bombing electricy and water supplies. They are the ones that have chased every NGO out of Iraq at a time when they are desparately needed. They are the ones threating doctors, teachers and other innocent Iraqis. And they are the ones who are trying to prevent Iraq from constituting their own police force, which is the ONLY way Iraqis will ever regain their security without needing an 'occupier'.

Does anyone seriously believe that the crime and anti-government insurgency would magically disappear if Iraq were abandoned to its own ends tomorrow? If so, I would like to know what you base this on - certainly nothing these groups have ever said, because most have promised to NOT STOP until the current Iraqi government is brought down. Is anarchy, civil war and/or another brutal dictatorship the best solution for Iraq and its current problems?

In contrast, despite their many faults, America is the one paying in both blood and money to try to provide the services and security Iraqis want and need. They are the ones training Iraqi security forces so that the occupation can END as soon as possible. They are the ONLY thing preventing the young Iraqi security services from being wiped out and every Iraqi politician assasinated.

So who really deserves 'the most' criticism here? I'll leave it for each person to decide on their own.

It's always so comforting to know that its men that seem to know what's best for women. That rape by Americans is better than rape by Udey. That Iraqi women have it better under Bush and Blair even though "...it's hard to distribute rations to starving children when people are trying to assasinate you..."!

dangrice.comare you related to Condi Rice by any chance? Your overview of Iraq sounds about as accurate as her delusional way of being unable to step into a mother's shoes and face the terror that must be Iraq today. And I too will shout in my loudest voice THE US IS TO BLAME! They invaded! If you think for one minute that had they not invaded that Iraq would be where it is now you are not only of the same Rice family (genetically modified likely)gene as Condi but just as pathetic when it comes to knowing anything about empathy or compassion.

I can only speak for myself but from what I can tell with what ever bad or good information I have about Iraq before and after the invasion, here in my safe home in Canada I too would want to be back when I at least knew my streets were safe and what would or would not get me blown away. At least I had some security in knowing what to expect. It's so easy to make an enemy out of someone and something so far away that no one can really confirm your accusations. But I have travelled the world and into places with dictators and wars going on and the picture is much different on the ground. So unless Ron Erwin and Colin and Dangrice and Martin and the most pompous ALLPRO are Iraqis that are living in Iraq then WTF do you know about it? Why wouldn't these women have more access to what is and what is not the truth about Iraq?

I have talked to a number of Iraqis here in Vancouver and read as much as I can from newspapers, report, blogs. Guess what, they mostly all have different opinions of what’s right, wrong, who’s to blame.

Even if you lived in Tirkirt, you would not really know what is happening in Basra, Mousl. People see what is around them. Most of Iraq is not subject to attacks and you never hear from those areas, because it is not newsworthy to report: “today, nothing happened here”

"So unless Ron Erwin, Colin, Dangrice, Martin and the most pompous ALLPRO are Iraqis that are living in Iraq then WTF do you know about it?"

First, Ms Zanga is not "living in Iraq" either - she fled from the 'idealic' regime that she claims all Iraqis want back.

Second, I listen to every Iraqi voice I can - including Ms Zanga, whose articles I have read before. Unfortunately her writings are usually more opinion and rhetoric than 'information' - but I listen because she is Iraqi. But hers is only one of many thousands of Iraqis I have heard over the past 3 years - since well before the war ever started.

In addition to Iraqis, I pay attention to journalists, consultants, NGOs and others who are IN IRAQ - living in the midst of things and talking/dealing with Iraqis on a daily basis. Plus I seek out well informed perspectives from respected persons and organizations.

So yes, I try to understand of the full range of Iraqi opinion and to keep up with current events in Iraq. And from what I hear, there is no universal desire to be back under Saddam's rule. Nor do most Iraqis believe that the insurgents and criminals bear no responsibility for their own actions. Just because some want to destabilize Iraq doesn't mean that all Iraqis are willing to simply give in to violence. Just because they can blow up civilians doesn't 'prove' their views are correct or that leaving a brutal dictator in place forever is the only other alternative.

Also contrary to Ms Zagana's assertions, it is not the 'occupation' that has Iraqis afraid to leave their homes - it is the daily insurgent violence and criminal activity directed against them. This violence, which causes 97% of the deaths 'today', is perpetrated by Iraqis and other 'Muslims'. This is what Iraqis refer to when they demand 'security' from their government. Naturally many also want the Americans to leave, or at least to set a timetable, but this not even remotely the top issue for most.

If not for the deliberate violence against Iraqis, all of Iraq could today be enjoying the peace, stability and prosperity that is taking place in the Kurdish north, where constuction and the economy are booming. Much of the southern region is also peaceful, with Shia militias handling most of their own security. However, the instability in the center and west of Iraq still has a very negative effect on the south.

For anyone interested in the full range of Iraqi perspectives and challenges, here are some sources that might interest you:

Institute for War & Peace Reporting
* Iraqi Press Monitor (daily)
* Iraqi Crisis Report (weekly)

http://www.iwpr.net/index.pl?iraq_ipm_index.html

International Crisis Group (ICG)

http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=2436&l=1

One interesting read is the secret poll of Iraqis taken before the war: Voices From The Iraqi Street

http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=1825&l=1

If having an informed opinion is 'pompous', then I urge everyone to be more pompous. Then you can disagree with my 'opinions' by offering your own insights, instead of just saying 'WTF do you know?'

One only needs to open one's eyes if not one's closed mind. Pictures and footage from Iraq in the build up to the war showed women WITHOUT the head to toe covering. They enjoyed educational opportunities and leadership positions at universities, hospitals and industry. There now is a rise in female circumcison and obviously from the photos, woman and children are doing far worse as they can't even leave the house without the symbol of oppression.

The treatment of women and children within a society is one foolproof way of telling the health of a nation.

Oue own nation is ill and rapidly worsening. Is it a mistake that the two unions, teachers and nurses that are most attacked in our 'brave new world' of lies and oppression and bullying, unions comprised MOSTLY of women and the professions primarily women still, are the ones being attacked the most by our pretend gov't which is union bashing to privatize the whole lot! What a bunch of incompetent, dishonest cheats.

At least under that dictator, health and education another way of monitoring the health of a nation, were FREE. Oil was nationalized and now under the 'rules' of any constitution can never be again!

And, Ron, it isn't true that Western feminists aren't speaking out against the oppression of women. If you check the status of women's web site, you will see they are fighting the implementation of shira law in Canada!

ignore spelling errors etc I'm in a rush.

Also, some of us believe it is WRONG to steal what isn't ours, just because we can.

Yes redrivergirl, and the increasing visibility of hard-won rights for Iraqi women was, no doubt, causing discomfort and apprehension among the Saudi and Kuwait leaderships.

Uppity women? No way!

- The exact same as you 4Cryinoutloud, so keep the morality cards in your hand. Don't let your "empathy or compassion" serve as an excuse for lack of reason or rationality. I don't need to be to be Rice's long lost SWM cousin to make up my mind, and as a note to yourself, my opinions in the area were formulated prior to two planes veering off course four years ago. Not all of us are after oil, and some of us spent more time checking aljazeera than cnn for our news.

RedRiverGirl - I respect your concern for Iraqi women, but claiming Saddam's regime was 'good' for women, or anyone else, is not the way to show support for them. They may have had 'some' secularist rights and protections, but that does not mean they were 'treated well'.

Saddam imprisoned thousands of children and 'rape rooms' were standard in prisons and interrogation centers. Saddam legalized “honor killing”; imprisoned, tortured and executed advocates of women’s rights; and publically beheaded female sex workers for “bringing shame on society”. I could go on cataloging Saddam's abuses and oppression, but the point is that it was far from 'all good' for women under Saddam. If this were so, Ms Zangana would still be living in Iraq today!

IF Iraq can survive this transition, Iraqi women gain something they could never have under Saddam - real political power. In addition to 25% of political positions, Iraqi women will wield 50% of the voting power. This is how women in the west fought for and won their rights - but it took time. Iraqi women may have to do the same thing, and change Iraqi attitudes and society from within. There are a lot of well-educated, successful Iraqi women who can lead these efforts, and recent polls show strong public support for women's rights throughout Iraq.

I don't want to gloss over the major problems Iraqi women face today, or minimize the threat of Sharia law and similar measures - BUT the best long-term solution is the growth of civil society and women's groups in a democratic society. This future offers vastly more potential for women than continuing to suffer a brutal and oppressive dictatorship just to hang on to a handful of legal rights - which could be yank away at any time.

Given present conditions, it is understandable why 'some' Iraqis would prefer to be back under Saddam, but most Iraqis portray this choice as '2 different hells' - they want neither - they want a brighter, free future. I really hope they get it.

RRG; okay, I went to The Status of Women website. Using their search feture I typed in both sharia law and sahri'a law. Nothing comes up, so what are you talking about ?

Ron, try a google with both names. I read it quite a while ago, however, the Status of Women were behind the Muslim women against Shiria law. Try also, the Ontario Status of Women. I don't have the time to do it right now.

Allpro, I am not suggesting Saddam was good for women, however, it is obvious he was better than most in the region. This constitution is a phony one. What constitution adopts the oil corporation's 40 some odd restrictions, including the outlawing of nationalized oil, health care etc?

It's a scam. And, there is no denying women are worse off now.

"Allpro, I am not suggesting Saddam was good for women, however, it is obvious he was better than most in the region."

RRG: Iraqi women were NOT "obviously better off" than most. They did have better "legal protections" than most, but there is a lot more to life than legal protections. Plus, in the many poor area of Iraq, like Saddam city, men like Muqtada al Sadr imposed their own brand of strict restictions on both women and men - exactly as they are doing today. 'The Law' did nothing to stop it - as long as they did not threaten Saddam, it was OK.

As for women being "worse off now", that is extremely debateable. Sure, with 'occupiers' still necessary and INSURGENTS bombing bus stations, markets and mosques almost every day, Iraqis fear to even leave their homes - so things are very bad "at the moment". But it is not reasonable to compare 30-years of oppression with a 'transition period'. In the middle of the American, British or French revolutions, it wasn't the best of conditions either. Nor are many other countries immediately after the fall of a long-term dictatorship.

The test will be what society Iraqi 'girls' grow up in - ie, the next 5 to 20 years. As mothers, THAT is an extremely importan factor to Iraqi women. I will not predict the future, but I believe that the next generation will be far better off. But only time can prove this.

RRG, I suggest you learn more about Saddam's regime than just seeing some well-dressed 'middle class' Iraqi women and listening to those with an anti-war agenda that need to pretend how great things were before. I have listened to thousands of Iraqi women, and very very few have any longing for 'the good old days', beyond wanting 'security' again. I put more stock in what these women have to say than those who fled Saddam's tyranny and so are removed from the stresses of daily oppression under the regime. Just try to imaging having to lie to your own children about 'Father Saddam' for fear that they might one day repeat a bad comment you made and thereby risk the lives of your entire family.

Lastly, I'd be interested to know where you got your information on oil restrictions and outlawed healthcare. This sounds like exaggerates to me. As far as I know, no one has seen the new consitution yet. Have you? If not, then I suggest you wait before condemning it.

Cheers.

http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0805-07.htm

There's a lot more about this, if you care to research it. Also, before the invasion, private ownership of natural resources was illegal.

This was done to New Zealand, is being done to us and is wicked beyond belief!

To hear you mention what 'mothers' care about while stating that women are not worse off, (in the long run) is laughable. If only it weren't so sad.

salon.com has a draft of the iraq constitution, (http://salon.com/wire/ap/archive.html?wire=D8C5PKQ03.html) seems pretty decent. guarantees equality, democracy, equal opportunity..

"We the people of Iraq, newly arisen from our disasters and looking with confidence to the future through a democratic, federal, republican system, are determined -- men and women, old and young -- to respect the rule of law, reject the policy of aggression, pay attention to women and their rights, the elderly and their cares, the children and their affairs, spread the culture of diversity and defuse terrorism.
.............
Article (2): First, Islam is the official religion of the state and is a basic source of legislation:a) No law can be passed that contradicts the undisputed rules of Islam.
b) No law can be passed that contradicts the principles of democracy.
c) No law can be passed that contradicts the rights and basic freedoms outlined in this constitution.
...............
Article (14): Iraqis are equal before the law without discrimination because of gender, ethnicity, nationality, origin, color, religion, sect, belief, opinion or social or economic status.

Article (15): Every individual has the right to life and security and freedom and cannot be deprived of these rights or have them restricted except in accordance to the law and based on a ruling by the appropriate judicial body.

Article (16): Equal opportunity is a right guaranteed to all Iraqis, and the state shall take the necessary steps to achieve this.
..............
Article (20): Citizens, male and female, have the right to participate in public matters and enjoy political rights, including the right to vote and run as candidates.
--------

yada yada

So as to the purpose of Islam, there are only 5 undisputed tenants, which means the state cannot pass laws which prevent:

"Shahadah": The Testimony that there is none worthy of worship except God and that Muhammad is his messenger.
"Salah": Establishing of the five daily Prayers (salah).
"Zakat": The Giving of Zakaah (charity), which is one fortieth (2.5%) of the net worth of savings kept for more than a year, with few exemptions, for every Muslim whose wealth exceeds the nisab, and 10% or 20% of the produce from agriculture. This money or produce is distributed among the Muslim poor.
"Ramadhan": Fasting from dawn to dusk in the month of Ramadan (sawm).
"Hajj": The Pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca during the month of Dhul Hijjah, which is compulsory once in a lifetime for one who has the ability to do it.

So Iraqis will be guaranteed the right to pray, fast, pilgrimage, tithe, and believe in one God.

RRG: I read the article you referenced, AND researched the issues directly - not just by reading more 'interpretations' by those with personal agendas to spin them to suit.

The documents make it pretty clear that NOTHING in the CPA's orders is binding long-term on the Iraqi government as they may choose to rescind or cancel any order at any time.

Some orders quoted in the article were already rescinded before the handover, such as #12. the "Suspension of Tariffs and Trade Restrictions", which covered ONLY 2003 anyway. Apparently the author didn't even read this 1-page order or they would have know this.

http://www.iraqcoalition.org/regulations/CPAORD12.pdf

Plus, there was certainly no broad public opposition to this order by Iraqis. While a few merchants lost some business, others gained it and millions of Iraqi scrambled to buy refridgerators, sattelite dishes and other big ticket items they could not get or afford before. In short, this was a very POPULAR order, contrary to the one-sided spin presented.

It's clear to me that the article grossly exaggerated the issue of the CPA's orders to further the author's own agenda and bias. It certainly was not balanced journalism.

You can read it all for youself. Order #100 outlines the details of the hand-over of power:

http://www.iraqcoalition.org/regulations/index.html#Orders

http://www.iraqcoalition.org/regulations/20040628_CPAORD_100_Transition_of_Laws__Regulations__Orders__and_Directives.pdf

Many 'orders' were rescinded or modifed in Order #100 to prepare for the hand-over. The fact that these changes were easily done speak to the fact that they are not carved in stone. Order #100 makes clear that every power the CPA had, (including those to rescind and revise orders), was passed to the Iraqi government, who can therefore do the exactly same thing:

All powers, authorities, and responsibilities granted to the CPA under any law, regulation, order, memorandum, instruction or directive of the CPA transfer to the Federal Government ...meaning... the Iraqi Interim Government, the Iraqi Transitional Government, and the Iraqi Government to be elected under a permanent Iraqi constitution

A few other representative quotes:

the laws, regulations, orders, memoranda, instructions and directives of the CPA remain in force unless and until rescinded or amended by legislation duly enacted

the Iraqi Interim Government and all subsequent Iraqi governments inherit full responsibility for these laws, regulations, orders, memoranda, instructions and directives so that their implementation after the transfer of full governing authority may reflect the expectations of the Iraqi people, as determined by a fully empowered and sovereign Iraqi Government.

RRG: I have been listening to Iraqis for 3-years, and in my experience, the vast majority do not agree with your pessimistic opinions of their future. Even today, most Iraqis still believe in a bright future for their country, though the seemingly endless attacks can dampen anyone's faith.

As this survey illustrates, 90% of Iraqi women are still hopeful about their future.

FROM: http://www.womenforwomen.org/nriqpap.html
AND: http://www.womenforwomen.org/Downloads/Iraq_Paper_0105.pdf

Windows of Opportunity

The first survey of Iraqi women since the outbreak of the war was released today by Women for Women International, one of the few non-governmental organizations remaining in Baghdad.

Given the level of violence and the deprivation caused by lack of adequate food, water and electricity, another remarkable statistic emerged from the survey: 90.6% of Iraqi women are hopeful about their future.

There is an entire generation of educated Iraqi women prepared to represent women and a growing corps of determined grassroots women ready to step forward. The full and free participation of women is a barometer for the future health and prosperity of all members of Iraqi society.

Historical Context

The Hussein government began to exert strict control in Iraq’s private sphere, thus setting in motion a shift toward greater restrictions and limitations for women.

Saddam Hussein began to give more control to Sunni-based religious groups. This had serious implications for women, as their rights and freedoms began to be increasingly eroded to appease religious and tribal groups.

Women were further divided through a system of institutionalized poverty and exclusion in which geographic areas that did not comply with the Baathist majority were punished through “ghettoization.”

Post-Invasion Climate

From the very first months of the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, Iraqi civilians maintained that they would be willing to give the Coalition one year to demonstrate changes on the ground. They would withhold issuing a positive or negative opinion until they were able to see if services were delivered. Indeed, more than one year later, it is clear that the Iraqi people are ready to pass judgment, and despite the justifications for the lack of delivery of tangible results, Iraqis are demanding an explanation for the gap between what was promised and what was done.

----- END OF QUOTATIONS -----

These are just a few snippents from a 36 page document.

Women for Women International is an organization founded and run by an Iraqi woman, [B]Zainab Salbi[B].

http://www.womenforwomen.org/nrzainbio.html

I have listened to her many times and find her far more balanced, realistic and in touch with Iraqi women than most who purport to speak for them. You will find her views largely unbiased and free of rhetoric. She expresses criticism wherever its due, but also adds balance, realism and perspective to the issues. Her interviews are much more informative than the heavily biased 'opinion articles' written by Ms Zangana.

Check the 'Press Archives' at the WfW website - OR just Google her name. She has given interviews to PBS and spoken to many audiences including the US Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee.

The boring freepers are back with all the usual CIA propaganda, I see.

When the board of directors of a "registered charity" includes the funding arm for Reeboks, for example ...

Of course, and their chief media sponser is Fox channel.

Zangana over the womenforwomen organization anytime. Organizations coming out of the States these days have no credibility.

Well her other credentials seem quite left wing oriented

MSMBC

Oprah

Clinton

Amnesty International

UNDO

So anything from the States is verboten, How convenient and easy.