To See A World In A Grain Of Sand: Freedom Fight

As the Iraqi police waited at the gate to be let in to our house, I was repeatedly told to never say I was American, if they asked any questions. Initially I was not worried the Iraqi police were at our gate, but after my family’s reaction I knew it was not good. It was as if everyone was rehearsing what they would say if the police asked questions, everyone was in a calm panic. The police came in and inspected the house and left, it was simple…no problems. I think my family in Iraq was extra cautious because they knew I was an American and did not want to endanger me.

Everyone was relieved when they left, including me because I could feel the tension. I was around 9 or 10 years old during this time living under the Saddam Hussein regime. What I didn’t understand then that I understand now, is Iraqi police coming into citizens home was the norm. There was no such thing as probable cause or a reason to search someone’s house…the government always won in Iraq. They could go into anyone’s house at any time and people of Iraq understood this.

Iraq has not had much independence, even pre-Gulf War as Saddam Hussein ruled with a heavy hand. There have been entire generations of Iraqis with no knowledge of what independence feels or looks like. We, as Americans, have been living independently since 1776. Independence for a nation is significant because it can be the glue that binds people together and Iraq is trying to establish its independence, but is still struggling. We (U.S.) struggled too when we were fighting for independence and it was messy. Allegedly, Benjamin Franklin was coming out of Independence Hall in Philadelphia in 1776 and was asked if we had a nation. He replied, “we do if we can keep it, and we must all hang together or surely we will all hang separately”.

Iraqis for the first time are trying to establish their freedom and independence and it’s not an easy road; when we question why these wars have gone on for so long… the answer is freedom has to be fought for by its own people. It won’t happen overnight and once people get a taste of freedom they won’t go back. Iraq is just not there yet and I’m proud we (U.S.) have tried to help them taste freedom.

The U.S. went into Iraq for many reasons and I believe one of them was humanity driven. There was a silent personal fight between Iraqi citizens and Saddam Hussein and we happened to jump into that fight. I don’t know if what we did will end pleasantly, but Iraqis will have to fight for their freedom and sustain it to make it a reality—only then will they have the full taste of freedom.

This Independence day we as Americans should all stand proud to know our founding fathers and mothers fought for our Independence that we enjoy today. They jumped in the fight and that is enough to be grateful for. While our country may not be perfect, I can attest it is better than most. I’ve never been more grateful to live under the U.S. flag or call myself an American.

Happy Independence Day.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the Air Force of any agency of the U.S. government.