Hameed, habibi, I share your joy!!

Over at Iraq the Model longtime readers and commenters will attest to the fact that this blog, run by two Iraqi brothers, has been the pre-eminent source of all the news, not just the bad news, about the war in Iraq.

One poster is himself an Iraqi exile, living in England, who joined the conversation in the comments section about two and a half years ago. We regulars have learned so much from him, not the least of which is that he is the very definition of the word "gentleman". His name is Hameed Abid. I am posting here a complete comment from Hameed posted today, November 21, 2007. It is a joy to read. I thought I should bold the highlights, but then I realized the whole thing would be bold, so I offer it to you just as Hameed wrote it:

"http://www.iraqdirectory.com/Dis...Ar.aspx? id=5001

The above news item is current.

The Budget of next year has allocated $1,8 b for the redevelopment of Iraq, and of Baghdad alone, along with an aggressive policy to engage the Iraqi arab and foreign private sector in the investments and developments.

Somewhere above I said Baghdad/Iraq will be a huge construction site next year.

This news item = bg please help in the translation? Thanks in advance= is an eye opener?

My family tells me the security situation is so good they are getting home safely after their nights out on the town very late at night. Their surgeries and businesses are doing very well indeed. There is a definite transforsmtion there.

Abu Nowass Street, the barometer of the night life in Baghdad is back in Business. Many Restaurant are cooking the famous 'Masqouf fish' on the banks of the river Tigris and are back in Business, with music, beer and wine bars and dancing night clubs are opening up everywhere around the street. Liquir is being sold and women have started walking alone freely without some without headscarfs and are wearing the norma dresses we knew before, and not having forcibly to wear the hijabs?

Cinemas and mised public Swimming pools, Hotels and Cafes are opening up and Trade is booming.

People generally are so happy with the current security situation that they have started to plan their lives ,go to work freely and without fear and arrange for new marriages,and parties and family and offices functions, plan their holidays internally and outside, and go about their businesses and social engagments with their relatives and friends with confidence.

The start of the Iraqis to return from Syria and jordan has increased ten folds and the Government has undertaken to pay the costs of their return Journeys, rehabiltate them and help the reintgration and they house and find them jobs.

Although the inflation is still high 20% the unemployment level is still high too and next year and beyond they hope to absorb all the unemployed with the advent of giant construction projects. underground works and other infrastructural projects worth billions of dollars.

International Companies are being invited to work there with safety and security.

Good luck Iraq.

Thank you the American people and the Military who made it all possible.


Kind regards
hameed Abid | 11.21.07 - 1:19 pm"

Anyone who still wants to diss George Bush can eat shit. That includes you, John Murney, and many of your usual posters. Although I have the utmost repect for you on other matters, you are completely wrong on your position on the Iraq war. If it wasn't for George Bush, Hameed would not be writing what I have posted here. Nor would there be anything to celebrate such as the following news items posted by so many of Iraq the Model's loyal readers. We all knew Iraq would make it, if given a chance, and we are all grateful to the leadership and vision of two men especially - George Bush and Tony Blair. May God bless you both. History will show that your vision was clear and your decisive action was just.

And now for the rest of the good news:

Still More Good Security News From Iraq

Tearful Iraqi refugees return, hoping for safety

In Stark Contrast to Its Neighbors- Iraq Arrests the Rapists

(Not just its neighbours, but in stark contrast to the previous regime. Thank you George Bush!!)

BAGHDAD OR BUST!! Iraqi Refugees Surge Back Home

Iraq seeks Kuwait investments for country's reconstruction

Baghdad International Airport business development opportunities expand with convention center, office suites

New petroleum contracts for the Kurdistan Region announced

Australian program aids Iraq reconstruction

Italy to grant $600 million loan to Iraq Ministry of Finance

Baghdad Comes Alive (Note: This is Newsweek, the newsmagazine that brought you the Koran down the toilet in Guantanamo lie in the early days of the war, so this is really phenomenal that they would actually dare to write about something good happening in Iraq.)

Baghdad’s Weary Start to Exhale as Security Improves (From the New York Slimes, yet!!!! This is really something!)

Iraqi Government Officials Meet, Discuss Essential Services, Resettlement

To their credit, prior to the civil war now ended, Canada's Liberal Party pledged a healthy sum for Iraq's reconstruction and forgiveness of odious debts. I hope the Conservative Party will honour that pledge.

GOD BLESS GEORGE BUSH!!!!!!

Now, I have just one more thing to say. In the middle of this war, my aged father-in-law, father of 11 Iraqi children, countless grandchildren and great grandchildren, including my two kids, international banker and septa-lingual gentlemen with a enduring curiosity for the world and admiration of the West - passed away at the ripe old age of 95. He had spent nearly his entire adult life in fear, having experienced one violent coup after another. I only regret he did not live long enough to see this day. But rest assured, his large extended family, many of whom are still living in exile, will at long last get to experience what he knew Iraq could be. Mahdi Majid, long live your grandchildren and your great grandchildren and their children - the sons and daughters of the Cradle of Civilization and welcome back, Iraq, to the community of civilized nations!!!