Comparing Post-War History(S): Rice

Abu Afak, Sonntag, 10. August 2003, 02:02 (vor 7780 Tagen)

"""...The historical analogy is important. Like
the transformation of Europe, the transformation
of the Middle East will require a commitment of
many years. I do not mean that we will need to
maintain a military presence in Iraq as was the
case in Europe. I do mean that America and our
friends and allies must engage broadly throughout
the region, across many fronts, including
diplomatic, economic, and cultural. And -- as in
Europe -- our efforts must work in full
partnership with the peoples of the region who
share our commitment to human freedom and who see
it in their own self-interest to defend that
commitment.

And we must have the patience and perseverance to
see it through. There is an understandable
tendency to look back on America´s experience in
post-War Germany and see only the successes. But
the road we traveled was very difficult.

----- 1945 through 1947 were especially
challenging. The Marshall Plan was actually a
response to the failed efforts to rebuild Germany
in late ´45 and early ´46. SS officers -- called
"werewolves" -- attacked coalition forces and
engaged in sabotage, much like today´s Baathist
and Fedayeen remnants. -----

In Iraq, much progress has already been made.
Tomorrow marks the 100th day since President Bush
announced the end of major combat operations. The
road is hard. Remnants of the regime and other
extremists are attacking progress -- just as they
did today with the bombing of the Jordanian
Embassy. And coalition soldiers continue to face
mortal dangers and continue to sacrifice for our
future peace and security. Step by step, normal
life in Iraq is being reborn, as basic services
are restored -- in some cases beyond pre-war
levels --transportation networks are rebuilt, and
the economy is revived . Banks are opening
throughout the country and a new currency --
without Saddam Hussein´s picture -- is being
prepared. A country in which, only months ago,
dissent was punishable by death, now sees more
than 150 newspapers competing in a new marketplace
of ideas...""

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/08/20
030807-1.html