Celebrate national sovereignty day in Iraq

Today has been declared a public holiday – national sovereignty day – as US combat troops withdraw from towns and cities. This is a great day for Iraq and in tune with the desire of Iraqis to retrieve and control their destiny. The outstanding question is how Britain, America and other countries can move from military support for the elected Iraqi government to a wide range of economic, political, cultural and social ties which are wanted by Iraqi leaders, unions, independent groups, universities and so on. Withdrawing troops does not mean leaving Iraq in the lurch, seeking to overcome the legacy of decades of fascist-type rule by itself. For LFIQ, building a strong and deep relationship between Britain and Iraq is the key project for years to come.

Gary Kent
Director LFIQ