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United States must invest first in Iraqi workers for reconstruction
prior to issuing contracts to other U.S. corporations. Iraqi
citizens are highly educated in areas of engineering and construction. U.S.
and multinational corporations do not need to be the prime beneficiaries of
the reconstruction contracts. If the U.S. invests in Iraqi business
it will increase employment and develop the local economy, carrying a high
multiplier effect. The high level of unemployment in Iraq (approaching 50%)
continues to be a significant contributing factor to the desperation that is
the source of the rampant violence. Reducing the level of unemployment is a
key factor in creating peace.
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United States must make the first priority the reconstruction of
infrastructure, including electricity and water. More than three
years after the invasion, electricity and safe water continue to be in short
supply—in part because of the slow pace of reconstruction and in part because
of new destruction. Iraqis can make their services work if allowed to do so.
By focusing on these services the ordinary
lives of Iraqis can be greatly enhanced and employment greatly increased.
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United States should commit to maintaining the Iraqi economic
structures for delivering basic public services, including water,
electricity, education,. health
care, etc. The government of Iraq before sanctions used its oil wealth to
provide water, electricity, education and health care to all Iraqis at either
no or low cost. The existing economic structure should be
maintained in order to minimize economic dislocation and maximize the
people’s participation in known services. None of the previously
government-run programs (including oil) should be privatized by the United
States, Iraqi government or international monetary
organizations (IMF and World Bank).
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United States should provide training for educators and medical staffs.
Iraqis are highly educated as a people, but have
been cut off from significant developments in both education and
medicine through 13 years of sanctions. The U.S. government and the private
sector should provide training opportunities for Iraqi professionals. These
professionals would then be able to share their experience with others in
Iraq and adapt their learning to the Iraqi culture.
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United States Congress should declare that it is the policy of the
United States to withdraw all U.S. military troops and bases from Iraq. The
U.S. should cease offensive military operations immediately and begin
withdrawal of combat troops. Indefinite occupation of Iraq is the source of
much of the violence. Many insurgent groups have expressed a willingness to
engage in political dialogue if the U.S. clearly states its intention to
withdraw from Iraq. Only by making the long term
position of the United States unambiguous will the Iraqi people have faith in
their nascent government.