From the Iraq Freedom Congress (IFC), Nov. 6:

A letter to Mr. Barack Obama on his election as President of the United States of America
Greetings...
On behalf of the Iraq Freedom Congress, I would like to congratulate you on your success as President-Elect of the United States of America and say that we hope this can be the start of a new phase of U.S. policy toward the world, and Iraq in particular.

Your election to this position by the American people means a defeat for the neoconservatives and their inhuman policy towards the world... a pre-emptive strike policy that resulted in nothing but destruction and strengthening of terrorism, because of which the entire world has become less safe.

We need to remember that we experienced the agenda of the Democratic Party, and tasted the bitterness of their policy in Iraq during the rule of Bill Clinton in the last century, who insisted on extending the unjust economic blockade several times in the UN Security Council, and viciously bombed and killed civilians, where children were the most affected. We will also never forget what he did in Kosovo, Rwanda, and how extremely difficult the dreams of forming an independent Palestinian state has become. In other words, we do not see the difference between the agenda of Bush senior, his son's Republican policy and the Democratic administration of Bill Clinton.

But we hope to find a change in the administration's policy under your command, because you descended from a family who is experienced and familiar with the oppression and injustice, there can be reasons for the world to sympathize with your cause. With respect to Iraq, your objection to the war and occupation is highly spoken of and gives us hopes in ending the long-lasting cycle of war and terrorism in this wounded country.

The way to end the tragedy of Iraqis, putting an end to nearly six years of killing and displacement of millions, is to end the occupation and support a secular non-ethnic government, a government that defines people on the basis of human identity.

Finally, you have raised the slogan "we need change" in the election campaign; this prompts us to see that you will review the policy of the previous administration and take a courageous decision to end the occupation, which was one of the key factors in the growing hatred towards America around the world. The decision to end the occupation and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq is the "change" the U.S. needs to rectify its image.

Samir Adil

Iraq Freedom Congress, president

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