I am a Democrat running for Congress District 3 Nevada. I am a nurse, author and peace activist. Iraq, teetering on the brink of civil war is forcing Kurds and Turkmen from their homes; they are returning to find Arab families in their houses. Kurdish militias that control much of Iraq's north hope to annex oil-rich areas. Three-way rivalry between Kurds, Arabs and Turkmen has developed. Civil resistance is building in Kirkuk, a new model for a secular society that puts equal citizenship ahead of ethnic or sectarian identity.
The reality in Iraq is that a government exists only in the Green Zone. Most households in Iraq are armed because of the lack of government-provided security. Civilians are paying the price for the armed resistance. People are being mobilized to protect themselves. Iraq has become an internatonal battleground. Every terrorist group and every terrorist state wants to exploit the situation in Iraq.
Basic services are in rapid decline due to increased insecurity. Non-governmental organizations (NGO) are pulling out because of kidnappings, poor water quality, lack of electricity, etc. The collapse of public services is fueling the growth of Islamic fundamentalists. Public schools demand payment that many families cannot afford. Religious schools are filling the void and political Islamic groups exploit children for suicide bombings.
The U.S. lost in Vietnam, not because of the heavy casualties, but because they lost the support of the American people. The senario is similar today; the public at large believes we have lost the war in Iraq. Support must be given to secular progressive forces in Iraq to counteract the influence of Shiites and other Islamic fundamentalist groups. We do not want another Taliban regime or Islamic Republic in Iraq.
The prolonged stay of our occupational forces in Iraq would only bring more instability to the area. Therefore, we should demand immediate withdrawal of our military forces from the area.
To make a contribution to my campaign, please go to: www.actblue.com. Thank you for your support. Anna Nevenic