U.S., Iraq struggle during rebuilding
by Connie Yu, Managing Editor

     As a stern dissenter of President Bush’s war on Iraq from the start, I have fought the strong temptation for me to do a triumphant, I-told-you-so column this semester.
    But with the semester end near, I still lack the enthusiasm to gloat in a time when two nations continue to struggle in the unnerving disaster now known as “Rebuilding Iraq.”
    My sympathy for both the suffering of the Iraqi people abroad and the naivety of the neoconservatives-led administration here at home has exceeded any excitement for self-appreciation.
    Unlike many of my antiwar peers, I never doubted Bush’s sincerity when he declared his “larger-than-life” mission with a glorious picture of U.S. solders delivering freedom and prosperity to Iraq while the other long-oppressed people in the Middle East suddenly found themselves inspired and ready to fight for the free existence of Big Macs and the Western capitalistic freedom they represent.
   What I questioned then, and regret now, has been precisely that sense of naïve, wish-washy mentality in a White House otherwise known as sophisticated, disciplined and business oriented.
   Iraq was not the first of its kind. The United Nations has for decades earmarked enormous amounts of money, manpower and resources to such projects. But while some would argue that life quality in Kosovo and Cambodia has improved, political corruptions, poverty and public unrest from terrorist activities still hinder many of the United Nations’ daily operations.
   Underestimation is not merely a word to describe the mishaps of the administration. Its ignorance and insensitivity toward the complex cultures and profound dignity of the Iraqis are proving fatal in the reconstruction phases.
   But the Republicans are right when they say Iraq is not the new Vietnam.
   Instead, Iraq has become our newly adopted teenager, full of anger and distrust after years of abuses and neglect from his previous parent, Sadam Hussein.
   Bush’s intentions may have been noble, but as every stepparent knows by heart, the first step toward rehabilitation—earning trust and respect—isn’t easy, especially if the teen comes from a foreign background.
   The only way for us to recover from a terrible start is to recognize that no matter how painstaking the challenges are ahead, Iraq is our responsibility.
   Rebuilding a relationship takes years of working together to care, understand and learn to respect each other. It takes patience, forgiveness and communication.
   Bush counted on our support, but perhaps he failed to understand America is not ready to be an adoptive parent.