President Rashid: Iraqis Faced Serious Challenges With Steadfastness

Iraqi Presidency media office

President Rashid

In a pre-recorded speech that was displayed at the Future Resilience Forum, held at the Old Royal Naval College in London, His Excellency President Rashid emphasized that the challenge presented by this situation was one that was faced with steadfastness and defiance by our people. In the midst of terrorist bombings, millions of Iraqis come out to participate in parliamentary elections. This is perhaps the most prominent example of steadfastness.

Furthermore, he added that in addition to the threat of terrorism, a second challenge was to rebuild the state's institutions, which were destroyed following the 2003 war, specifically to reestablish the armed forces and security institutions on a democratic basis.

Moreover, His Excellency highlighted that despite the challenges posed by terrorism and all the difficulties associated with founding the state, we have been able to consolidate human rights, promote freedoms, improve services, and achieve social justice.

President Rashid's speech is as follows:

Ladies, gentlemen, and distinguished attendees,

I have had the pleasure to attend and speak directly to you, but prior commitments prevented me from doing so. It is therefore, I apologize for not being able to attend.

It is my pleasure to speak to you about our country's emerging democracy. I am sure that many of you are familiar with the circumstances surrounding this democratic experiment.

The democratic experiment was born in Iraq after the Iraqis suffered years of dictatorship and totalitarian regime.

It was difficult to bring about democracy since it coincided with the 2003 war in which the dictatorial regime was overthrown, Iraq was declared occupied, and then the long-lasting political, economic, and social repercussions of that war lasted for over fifteen years, and some of its consequences continue to be felt even today.

In addition to the decades of struggle against dictatorship, the threat of terrorism has posed the greatest challenge to the democratic experience since 2003.

Iraq's cities, neighborhoods, markets, mosques, and civilian residences were being targeted by Al-Qaeda terrorist organizations. Every day for several years, terrorists have used approximately ten car bombs and explosive belts to attack crowded public areas nationwide.

The challenge presented by this situation was one that was faced with steadfastness and defiance by our people. In the midst of terrorist bombings, millions of Iraqis come out to participate in parliamentary elections. This is perhaps the most prominent example of steadfastness.

Continuing efforts to build institutions and develop institutional work have been essential to consolidating democracy and maintaining its steadfastness in the face of terrorism and in establishing and developing institutions.

In addition to the threat of terrorism, a second challenge was to rebuild the state's institutions, which were destroyed following the 2003 war, specifically to reestablish the armed forces and security institutions on a democratic basis.

Despite the challenges posed by terrorism and all the difficulties associated with founding the state, we have been able to consolidate human rights, promote freedoms, improve services, and achieve social justice.

As a result, a successful construction effort was necessary to reduce the period of occupation in our country, eliminate reliance on the presence of coalition forces, and strengthen the country's sovereignty and independence.

Throughout all of this, it is crucial that democracy remains steadfast and progress continues.

It is our belief that democracy is the most appropriate system for attaining justice in a country as diverse as Iraq.

Therefore, it is essential to ensure the development of human resources in a wide range of educational, industrial, and economic fields so that people's commitment to democracy can be strengthened.

Our cooperative efforts with the institutions of governance and parliament have resulted in enacting many of the necessary laws, thus ensuring that the state remains built on a solid foundation, where all citizens can benefit.

We believe that these challenges can be viewed as a source of strength and steadfastness for democracy provided the authorities are successful in ensuring security, stability, and the provision of necessary services.

A further consideration is that other countries' experiences with democracy cannot be dispensed with as a matter of course.

As we strive to promote democratic thinking in our country, it is vital that we have the support of our friends. Thus, democracy is a popular choice characterized by solidity and reliability.

Wishing you the best of luck and success in your endeavors.



PUKMEDIA / Iraqi Presidency