Reflection on the Road to Iraqı Democracy, Summer 2005

Yethrib is a town in the heart of the Sunni Triangle in Iraq. Ahmet Shauket lives under constant threat but is avowed to build the institutions to support democracy,peace and human rights in his town. This piece reflects one man’s struggle forfreedom and democracy in Iraq.Once Saddam Hussein’s regime was overthrown by coalition forces, ahistorical opportunity arose for the Yethrib people: to establish ademocratic system. The support of those -among the 80,000 person community- who believed we could achieve democracy has been crucial. The Yethrib, as well as the majority of other Iraqis, were totally isolatedfrom the outside world and living with severe sanctions. Iraqis were brainwashedby Saddam’s media machine, to the point where most believed Americans hadcome to steal their oil and kill civilians...Please click here to read the text in full.