Dr. Rashad Zidan, Iraqi humanitarian activist and pharmacist, spoke Wednesday night in Raleigh about her experience in Iraq under the U.S. occupation.
Zidan stressed the importance of relaying the truth to the American people and the importance of spreading the word to others. "When you know something but do not share it, it means nothing," she said. "As students in college, we used to think the U.S. was the most free and democratic country, but have since found out that is only what is written on paper and not reality."
Zidan said she is in no way advocating the reign of Saddam, but at least then, they had hospitals available, could get to their jobs freely and had free schools available for their children.
What we have been told is not true -- most Americans are peaceful and want an end to this war," Zidan said. "It was done in the name of Americans, but it is not the desire of all Americans." Contrary to popular belief, she said the situation in Iraq is now worse than when Saddam reigned.
"We want to live peacefully, taking care of our families, our children, our country," Zidan said. "All of this suffering, this destruction, is for nothing." In reference to the U.S. having problems at home and expensive educational and health systems, she said, "you have to solve your problems at home before you come to give us democracy." She said that now Iraqis are living in constant fear and have a lack of electricity and running water, no landlines are available and Iraqis can no longer go to their jobs and schools safely.
The complete text of the story in The Technician can be found at http://media.www.technicianonline.com/...