Baghdad

In the midst of a sweltering summer, Iraqis are showing that a free society in the heart of the Middle East can emerge from decades of despotism and despair.

In recent weeks, Iraqis from all walks of life have taken to the streets in peaceful demonstrations calling on their political representatives to bring about meaningful change that will end the cycle of nepotism and corruption that has stifled our country’s ability to meet its full potential.

Inspired by the daily sacrifices of our countrymen on the front lines in the fight against the terrorists of ISIS—known in Iraq by its Arabic acronym Daesh—the protesters have convincingly challenged three views commonly held by outsiders: that Iraq’s disparate communities lack a common sense of identity; that the country is irredeemably divided along ethno-sectarian lines; and that Iraq is not conducive to democracy. Iraqis of all backgrounds have mobilized under one flag—calling for sweeping reforms that would, in essence, fulfill the democratic aspirations that are enshrined in our Constitution. The demands cut across ethno-sectarian lines and seek to raise living standards for all Iraqis.

Our government is responding not with repression but with far-reaching reforms intended to reinforce a program of political and economic renewal.