Editor,

I have lived and worked both in Iraq and Rwanda and I say with certainty that Iraq could learn some important lessons from Rwanda. Even though there are obvious geographical and cultural differences between these two countries I strongly believe there can be valuable knowledge gained by the   government of Iraq if they could first humble themselves and take a closer look at Rwanda.

Shortly after the 1994 genocide Rwanda found itself in complete "ashes” as far as the infrastructure, the economy, security, the education system, the justice system and generally in most every area of life.

Today Rwanda is a vibrant country pushing itself beyond expectation and becoming a role model for other countries in eastern Africa as well as around the rest of the world.
Officials from Iraq need to invest their time and arrange for a long visit with officials from Rwanda to study and openly discuss how to bring a country from ashes to brilliance.

They need to find out how security can rise to an unprecedented level, how the infrastructure can be built to securely support the population, how the economy can grow to very successful levels, how education can become a driving force among the people, how health services can become available to every citizen, how peace and order can be restored and respected and bottom-line, how a torn country can become whole again.

You cannot absorb this lesson by reading about it in a book or visiting the country for a few days. You must come and embrace the leadership, come and experience the people, witness the environment, absorb the excitement and see the overwhelming commitment in everyone to get better.
     
Richard Paul Daniele – USA

rickdaniele@gmail.com