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Reconciliation, Not Just Reconstruction

(New York Times) - Stuart E. Eizenstat Bringing the rule of law to Iraq is essential, as is the political and economic reconstruction of the country. Yet these tasks may fail unless the Bush administration also provides justice for Iraqi victims of Saddam Hussein's terror. Healing these wounds will not only lay the groundwork for a stable nation, but will also reinforce the U.S. commitment to helping the Iraqi people. Many of those who were victimized - the Kurds in the north, so-called marsh Arabs in the south, Shiite opponents of the Baath Party regime - represent the major political and religious factions in Iraq. If their grievances are not addressed, Iraqi society will bear permanent scars and endure continuing frustrations, leading to growing resentment and cycles of retribution.
2003-07-04 00:00:00
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