OPINION:
Amid the headline-grabbing, non-violent demonstrations in Iraq, there’s a young face and a fresh call for change. If you look closely, you will see the protesters are not older men and women with fulfilled lives and careers; the majority of demonstrators are the next generation of Iraq who, like many Americans, have seen far too much government corruption.
The Iraqi protesters are tired of Iran’s malign behaviors, misuse of religion to fulfill corrupt political agendas and the Iraqi government being used as a puppet for the ayatollah in Tehran.
These young protesters refuse to be intimidated by Iranian proxies, including thug militias, or by pro-Iranian members of the Iraqi government. The perseverance of these young Iraqi protesters is to be admired as they stare defiantly in the faces of those intending to murder, kidnap, torture and commit other atrocious human-rights violations against the people of Iraq.
These young Iraqi men and women are yearning for hope to be restored in their lives.
In a prior era known as the second golden age in Iraq, the national priority was to benefit Iraqi people, and there were fewer ethnic or religious divisions. Government national policy was dedicated specifically on Iraqi families and how to improve their lives.
Simply put, the young Iraqi protesters want to make Iraq great again.
Their dreams are simple: They want a life of choice rather than following outdated beliefs proclaimed by men who deem themselves religious leaders, but who are only there to serve their own selfish agendas.
President Trump is a role model for what the Iraqi people are yearning for.
They want a leader, like Mr. Trump, who can deliver a strong economy, protect Iraqi’s citizens around the world and create opportunities for all citizens, regardless of ethnic or religious group. They want someone who will preserve the God-given rights of all Iraqi citizens. Those inalienable rights include “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
This is the type of inspired leader Iraq needs today more than ever; someone with a clear vision of how to make Iraq a great nation, united, strong and free of outside influences. The Iraqi people need a leader who bravely listens to the chants, screams and dreams of the people of Iraq.
The Iraqi people need a leader who can restore hope to those who may be lost and feeling the nation they love will never recover.
The young Iraqi university students want to know they are valued and can help bring strength, innovation, technological advancement and a level of greatness similar to what was experienced during their grandparents’ time.
Under Mr. Trump, we in America are witnessing a fusion of intelligent young Americans who brings new energy to our national government. We now have young people who are proud to serve their country and inspire our next generation.
There’s more to Iraq than merely its oil deposits and high-quality natural gas. Iraq has valuable resources in the form of young and intelligent members of society with never-ending energy and a thirst for a “make Iraq great again” leadership vision.
We all pray the Iraqi people will soon have the right person in power they deserve, one who can unite their nation that is torn by sectarianism, as well as religious and ethic boundaries.
The young protesters in Iraq are full of hopes and dreams, and the desire to live them out. They need a national leader like the one we have in the United States of America.
• Rana Alsaadi, an Iraqi refugee, is a former open source analyst for the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of State. She is a former cultural adviser for the State Department and previously served as translator/analyst in Iraq for the Defense Department. She is co-founder, executive vice president and chief strategy officer for PACEM Solutions International LLC.
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