Meeting with Iraqis
I attended my first large meeting today -- a meeting with mid-level government and elected Iraqis. Government officials, municipal employees, public works employees, coalition forces and civilians attended. The meeting was led by Iraqis, both Iraqis and US military made presentations, and we had three interpreters to help ensure accurate translation. Slow work but important work.The main topic? Sewer. Just good old municipal sanitary sewer. Currently in this unnamed city, sewer runs down open ditches because Saddam used his nation’s resources for things other than the benefit of the people. Multi-national forces decided four years ago to put an emphasis on sewer because it is fairly inexpensive construction and provides immediate health benefits. Water, and electricity were also discussed but not like good ol' sewer.One side were the elected officials including women elected to office and the other side were the official government public works department employees. Lots of back and forth discussion during the over three hour meeting. The mood was complaining, frustration over delays, sense of urgency to take care of the families in their communities. Here are a few quotes from the final comments.
I attended my first large meeting today -- a meeting with mid-level government and elected Iraqis. Government officials, municipal employees, public works employees, coalition forces and civilians attended. The meeting was led by Iraqis, both Iraqis and US military made presentations, and we had three interpreters to help ensure accurate translation. Slow work but important work.The main topic? Sewer. Just good old municipal sanitary sewer. Currently in this unnamed city, sewer runs down open ditches because Saddam used his nation’s resources for things other than the benefit of the people. Multi-national forces decided four years ago to put an emphasis on sewer because it is fairly inexpensive construction and provides immediate health benefits. Water, and electricity were also discussed but not like good ol' sewer.One side were the elected officials including women elected to office and the other side were the official government public works department employees. Lots of back and forth discussion during the over three hour meeting. The mood was complaining, frustration over delays, sense of urgency to take care of the families in their communities. Here are a few quotes from the final comments.
1. Appointed national official: You (local official) must understand. We are a wounded nation and the US and the coalition nations and the people of Iraq have just come out of this time of crisis. I know every US soldier would like to go home to loved ones and see this country stable and essential services provided to Iraqis. To see Iraqis ruled by Iraqis without any discrimination, or violence toward any people living in the North or the South or the center or different religion or different people. (Loud applause by Iraqis first and then others as translators finished).
2. Elected regional official: Please do not misunderstand my previous statement...we are grateful that the Americans and other nations are here to help us (30+ nations)...but what I am saying is that we have to provide these services now (essential services = sewer, water, electricity and health). When I say this is our house, it is our house, US, coalition and Iraqi. We are all one. Not issue of us and everyone else. All are one.
3. US official: We want nothing more than to help you execute your plans; to spend your money on your priorities. We look forward to working with you to do it.
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