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Journalism of Courage
As we mark the first full week of Iraqi sovereignty, the world is only just beginning to appreciate the full significance of the historic handover ceremony, which was hurried through in secret two days before it was due and without any of the top people present. It is now clear that this may well be a blueprint for all future state occasions and festivities in this age of terrorism.
President Bush is expected to order that, from now on, July 4 should be celebrated at least two days earlier, although the White House will reserve the right to declare July 4 in June or even May if need be8230; Furthermore, all public ceremonies will be held in private and will last no more than 20 minutes. Any American official involved should be given the chance to get safely away before an announcement is made, when events may be restaged for the television cameras8230;
The handover of 8220;sovereignty8221; was just as meaningless as the handover of Saddam Hussein from US to Iraqi control. He8217;s still held by the Americans in a secret location, but 8220;legally8221; he8217;s now in 8220;Iraqi control8221;8230;
Secrecy and control must become our watchwords if democracy is to survive in the age of terrorism and continue to confront the enemies of freedom 8212; tyrants, such as Saddam Hussein, who operate by secrecy and control that are the very opposite of our own traditions.
Excerpted from an article by Terry Jones in 8216;The Guardian8217;, July 7
