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Editorial: On rebuilding, aiding needy inside Iraq Le Figaro, Paris April 16 Iraq is the Yugoslavia of the Middle East. So how do we transform this ethnic and religious mosaic, ravaged by a bloodthirsty dictator and three wars since 1980, into an efficient and democratic country? The first conference of Saddam Hussein's opponents on Iraqi soil merely drafted, in an announcement with thirty points, a broad outline of the answer. ... This meeting in Nasiriya has already demonstrated that there is no simple response to these complicated problems. ... Supporters of the Islamist Assembly, an influential Shiite movement that refused to participate in this "foreign operation," demonstrated outside with cries of "No to Saddam! No to America!" ... The distribution of oil, concentrated in the Shiite and Kurdish zones, also stirs up difficulties. First, in Iraqi society, which must learn to think in terms of the general interest. Next, among foreign businesses, which hope that reconstruction contracts won't only be awarded to American companies. ... For democratization to succeed, the Americans will be tempted to stay. ... they should not forget the famous warning of a southern Shiite: "Thanks. But don't forget to leave." Il Messaggero, Rome April 15 The "postwar" in Iraq may cause more deaths than the 25 days of "war" due to disease, epidemics, malnutrition, not to mention violence of all forms: protests, terrorist attacks, and guerrilla warfare. Because conflict will conclude without an armistice or a peace treaty, the hostilities may continue indefinitely in an endless stream of episodes. It will be difficult to determine whether the war is over and when Italy's humanitarian role as a technically neutral country can begin. What remains to be seen is how Italy will greet the Iraqi people and in the name of which international institution. The best way to conduct a humanitarian campaign would be under the auspices of either the UN or NATO. France and Germany appear to be helpful, and this would be the best option for the campaign aims and for transatlantic diplomacy. But American intransigence towards France raises doubts as to whether Washington will consider these options. Without them, America and its "coalition of the willing" would be alone to carry out the humanitarian campaign. This would be the worst option; it would increase the distance between "old" and "new" Europe, making it impossible to achieve a common foreign policy, and bolster French, German and Belgian initiative to create a European army . LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -