April 11, 2003

The "Iraqi Freedom" campaign taught Arab leaders they are not as powerful or secure as they thought. They pinned their hopes on Saddam Hussein because he resisted the West and its democratic principles. They thought he would win. Their support of Saddam Hussein was wrong and will affect their survival in the years ahead.

The war in Iraq let Arab peoples see how despotic leaders can be over thrown. They will ask, if Iraq can have self-rule then why can't we? This is a question their Arab leaders will not answer.

Many leaders are now very afraid and for good reason. Their corruption, suppression and oppression of their people can't last forever. The momentum for change in the Arab world has started and they can't stop it.

Saddam Hussein is now a new symbol. He shows that people like him can be removed and things changed for the better.

People who want freedom will seek it and demand change. They will apply pressure to the despotic leaders in Syria, Iran, Libya, Palestinian Territory, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordon. That pressure will lead to many Arab democracies.