2008 Woodie Awards
Midd population needs Iraqi representation
Leslies Thompson & David Belanich
Issue date: 1/27/05 Section: Opinions
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There is no doubt that Iraq is in a state of crisis. Nearly two years since the launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom - much less than freedom - we have yet to accomplish the modest goal of stability. Despite the promise of installing a functioning democracy through the impending elections, we have reason to remain cautious - the names of many candidates have been withheld to protect their lives from insurgent attacks that have increased in intensity and number with each new month.
The failure of democracy in Iraq would be the failure of democracy in the Middle East. With democracy weighing in the balance, we are compelled to act. One of the crucial factors tipping the scale toward chaos is the pitting of two biased and unchallenged views against each other - a confrontation of misunderstandings that can only perpetuate conflict.
Charred bodies hanging from bridges, burning cars, kidnapped journalists and decapitated aid workers - these are the images around which the American vision of Iraq is formed.
Protection of pipelines before bus lines, the immorality of Western values, torture at Abu Ghraib and inexperience with democracy - these are the elements composing the Iraqi view of America.
We need not fatally accept ignorance. In fact, as students of the liberal arts, it is our duty to turn to education as the solution. Greater understanding would breed greater cooperation. Middlebury has an opportunity to fulfill its educative purpose by challenging these black and white world views.
One promising means to realizing mutual understanding through education is the creation of an endowed scholarship to Middlebury for an interested Iraqi student. At Middlebury, this student would present lectures and lead discussions on subjects related to Iraq and American-Iraqi relations. At the end of his/her four years, the student would return home, where he/she would conduct a project to promote civil society through community service. The student would also be expected to speak at his/her high school about experiences in the United States. Finally, Iraqi alumni would provide yearly updates to Middlebury and would help with recruitment of future participants.
The failure of democracy in Iraq would be the failure of democracy in the Middle East. With democracy weighing in the balance, we are compelled to act. One of the crucial factors tipping the scale toward chaos is the pitting of two biased and unchallenged views against each other - a confrontation of misunderstandings that can only perpetuate conflict.
Charred bodies hanging from bridges, burning cars, kidnapped journalists and decapitated aid workers - these are the images around which the American vision of Iraq is formed.
Protection of pipelines before bus lines, the immorality of Western values, torture at Abu Ghraib and inexperience with democracy - these are the elements composing the Iraqi view of America.
We need not fatally accept ignorance. In fact, as students of the liberal arts, it is our duty to turn to education as the solution. Greater understanding would breed greater cooperation. Middlebury has an opportunity to fulfill its educative purpose by challenging these black and white world views.
One promising means to realizing mutual understanding through education is the creation of an endowed scholarship to Middlebury for an interested Iraqi student. At Middlebury, this student would present lectures and lead discussions on subjects related to Iraq and American-Iraqi relations. At the end of his/her four years, the student would return home, where he/she would conduct a project to promote civil society through community service. The student would also be expected to speak at his/her high school about experiences in the United States. Finally, Iraqi alumni would provide yearly updates to Middlebury and would help with recruitment of future participants.