Iraqi Army Officer Speaks Out About The Future of Iraq

Photo By Sgt. Waine Haley | Lt. Ibrahem Hassan, 4th Division, Iraqi Army, and his troops pose for a photo in front of an IA's Humvee.  

AD DAWR, IRAQ

05.25.2006

Courtesy Story

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

AD DAWR, Iraq (May 26, 2006) " As the Iraqi Army works toward freedom for all of Iraq, some Iraqi Soldiers believe they are seeing the fruits of their sacrifice " a better Iraq and the development of the entire Middle East.

Lt. Ibrahem Hassan, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division wants the world to know he understands what a free Iraq can mean to his troops, Iraq and the world.

"We are building a new future, not just for Iraq but for the whole world," Hassan said. "I see this purpose. We will sacrifice and rebuild our country and know we are not just helping Iraq, but the whole area."

Many countries throughout history have taken similar steps in their road to freedom. Each had difficulties with the transition, including the United States. All shed blood, sweat and tears making their freedom a reality. Those countries also had outside influences that helped them in their struggle.

"We feel Coalition Forces are doing a great job of training us and then letting us take our country back," Hassen said. "If they were to just leave at once, it would destroy our country and all the sacrifice and hard work would be for nothing."

The government of Iraq is making progress on a daily basis but is not quite at the point where they can sustain themselves. Hassen feels that if Coalition Forces pulled out at this point, the already struggling infrastructure would crumble, and it would appear democracy failed in an Arabic country.

"We appreciate what everyone is doing for Iraq," Hassan said. "I hope everyone has patience to see the changes Iraq could make to the whole area."

"We Iraqis are not fighting one enemy," Hassan said. "There are a few people here that still support the old regime. That is one battle, but we also are fighting insurgents from Syria and Iran."

Hassan says that the leaders of the surrounding countries are afraid of democracy in Iraq and that the people will want democracy there as well.

Hassan and his troops, as well as the rest of the Iraqi Security Forces, continue to make progress in freeing Iraq from Anti-Iraqi Forces who stand between them and a prosperous future. Coalition Forces will continue stepping back but will assist by training these forces and helping rebuild the infrastructure of Iraq in hopes everyone will prosper.

• Date Taken: 05.25.2006
• Date Posted: 05.25.2006 12:49
• Story ID: 6518
• Location: AD DAWR, IQ