A European strategy for Iraq. How can we make up for lost time?

P. Gasparoli directs the Iraq Observatory of the Italian organisation Un ponte per... - I. Dawood coordinates the Iraqi organisation Al-Mesalla and the network of Iraqi Nonviolence Organisations LAONF.

Iraqis weren't too naïve in their expectations, though, as they are aware of international implications and the alliances there are. In spite of the catastrophic handling of the occupation, the repeated gross violation of human rights and the war crimes committed by occupying troops, the Iraqis still harboured the hope that the Old Continent would face the music, despite the direct complicity of certain member states, especially Great Britain. They have been far too patient whilst waiting in vain. The recently-opened European Union office in Iraq seemed to be a good omen, but the truth is that everything is the same as beforehand. As often happens, the new office strives to foster relations with the Government, yet turns a blind eye to the people. Despite these precedents, there are still gaps which could be filled by specific gestures of solidarity.

First of all, it's necessary to provide genuine support to a society which has grown and matured in recent years, involving thousand of men, women and children fully aware of their role in the moral and social reconstruction of the country, but who need wherewithal, protection and recognition. Wherewithal is required as it's a young society without experience to build upon. The list includes financing, education and opportunities to share and learn from abroad, so that Iraqis are more equipped to reconstruct their own country. Protection is also needed because too many people have paid for their commitment with their lives, victims of wartime violence, be it committed by sectarians, resistance fighters, the occupying forces or the Iraqi government itself. Another must is the recognition as free-speaking civilians capable of dialogue and formulating alternatives to plans issued by the government. Recognition which, if it had existed, would have reinforced civil society's fight to combat Iraqi government laws, created more to control and repress than to improve and encourage the work of the countless organisations there are. Recognition which would strengthen the function of opposition parties with respect to the government's power and could herald a democratic and modern form of social protection.

Secondly, it's necessary to open up borders and introduce an asylum policy, facilitating visas to the two million or so refugees displaced by the conflict. Can it really still be kept hush-hush that the war in Iraq hasn't produced refugees? The world hasn't seen how entire families had to leave their homes. More than two million Iraqis fled the country and another two million are displaced internally. Many ended up in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and the Gulf States, some joined family members who were already living in these countries as refugees from the Saddam dictatorship. Many others set off on the journey of hope crammed into trucks or onboard crowded boats. Too many people are without work, without the opportunity to educate their children or without the possibility of receiving decent healthcare. Too many young women have fallen into prostitution just to survive. Europe can no longer fail to accept its responsibilities. 

Neither can we allow our society and our companies to make profits from the war in the name of business. Particular attention must be paid to the negotiations underway concerning Iraq's immense wealth of hydrocarbons. It would be another blow for a rich country undergoing reconstruction and struggling to survive thanks to its natural resources and its competence in managing them. Trade unions have always categorically stated that their stance is staunchly against the sale of any of the country's natural wealth. In the southern province of Basra, crude oil unions have organised international conferences and meetings to explain and inform about this.   

A fourth requirement is to speed up the truth and reconciliation process for the families of civilian victims and those tortured or unlawfully detained by international troops. It's true that internal violence, brought about by the absurd and short-sighted mismanagement of the US Administration, has led to thousands of deaths, tens of thousands of missing people and hundreds of tortured prisoners. However, we simply cannot forget about the extremely serious breaches of trust committed by those who promised democracy and civilisation. Neither can we invent excuses here. The Iraqis need justice.
     
Last but not least, neutral involvement in the political and electoral process is essential to offer support to Iraq in its arduous trek towards the restructuring of a state which should uphold its own traditions whilst also being democratic.

This may all seem a small step, but it would be a giant leap in making up for lost time.