Rob Portman, January 17, 2005

One of the promising developments of the past few decades has been the spread of democracy and freedom, in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, in Latin America, and around the globe. This is good for the people in these new democracies, but also good for us as Americans. Freedom leads to more prosperity, a greater respect for human rights and the rule of law, and a more peaceful world.

In the Arab countries of the Mideast, this spread of freedom has always been met with resistance. But in the past year, even there, in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Palestinian state, the beginnings of democracy are beginning to take hold. Of course, much of this is a direct result of the brave and unselfish efforts of our men and women in uniform, some of whom from our area of Ohio. By putting themselves in harm’s way, they are helping people move from dictatorship to freedom.

To see just how far we’ve come, we have to look at where these countries were just a few years ago. Until recently, Afghan women weren’t allowed to go to school, Iraqi people were oppressed by a brutal regime where torture chambers and public beatings were the status quo, and Palestinian children lived in a society of fear.

Today it is a different story. The Afghani and Palestinian people recently held free elections, and elections in Iraq are scheduled for the end of January. While achieving democracy is a challenging and complicated process that takes time, I do believe that the seeds of democracy have been planted and freedom is on the march.

The hope of democracy is now within reach for the Palestinian people. In public elections that have been described as largely free, open and fair, Palestinians recently voted for a new president, Mahmoud Abbas. President Abbas represents the promise of democracy and a new era for Palestinians. For more than 30 years, Yassir Arafat led Palestinians and was viewed as a roadblock to peace. The new president has expressed his desire to build an independent, democratic Palestinian state, and to revive peace negotiations with Israel.

Today Afghanistan is free. More than 15 million Afghan citizens have been freed from the brutal zealotry of the Taliban, one of the most backward and brutal regimes of modern history. Just three years ago, the nation of Afghanistan was the protector and home to the al-Qaeda terrorist network. Today the Taliban is out of power and most of the al-Qaeda leaders have been captured or killed and their terrorist camps closed down. In October, the Afghan people made history when they held their nation’s first direct presidential election. For the first time, millions of people went to the polls to vote. In fact, a 19-year old woman was the first voter. The Afghan people have a constitution that protects the rights of all, while honoring their nation’s rich traditions. Because we acted to liberate Afghanistan, a threat has been removed, the Afghan people are safer, and America is more secure.

In Iraq, more than 25 million people have been liberated from the brutal Saddam Hussein regime. The U.S. handed sovereignty to an Interim Iraqi Government, and the new government is leading reconstruction of the country until the end of January when historic free elections will take place. This is tremendous progress considering that several years ago it was a society plagued by murder, oppression and corruption. I recently had the opportunity to listen to Iraqi’s Prime Minister Allawi’s address to Congress on behalf of Iraqi’s Interim Government and the Iraqi people. Minister Allawi talked about the torture and brutality under Saddam, and how the US-led Coalition had now provided Iraqis the chance to build a better future for their families and their country.

It will not be easy. The quest for freedom and democracy never is. It has required sacrifice by many, including young American men and women in uniform. But with Saddam’s regime behind them and free elections just around the corner, Iraqis are one step closer to achieving freedom -- and the rest of the world is safer because of it.

Freedom is on the march and there is reason to be hopeful. But there is also reason to again thank those whose sacrifice makes this progress possible.

Congressman Rob Portman represents Ohio's 2nd District which includes part of Cincinnati and several counties to the east. He serves on the Ways and Means Committee and the Budget Committee.