3-21-05, 9:16 am

From People's Daily Online

Two years after the US-led invasion of Iraq, Iraqis have not seen what Washington promised would be reminiscent of an orderly, peaceful society.

Before launching the preemptive strike, US President George W. Bush vowed to turn Iraq into a 'paradise among the countries of the region,' while French President Jacque Chirac, who opposed the war, said the conflict would open the door of hell.

Two years after the first US bomb was dropped in Baghdad, the oil-rich country is full of scenes of devastation.

Houses were ruined by car bombs, officials were gunned down by unknown armed men and police were overpowered by religious militants, despite billions of US dollars spent on rebuilding the security forces.

No single day passes without attacks that made the 'paradise' that Washington wished to establish seem like a hell, not only for the Americans but also for Iraqis and all the foreign workers.

According to the latest statistics, the number of US soldiers killed in Iraq since the start of the invasion has exceeded 1,510 whereas the Iraqi police and military death toll stands around 2,000.

The figures also show that more than 14,000 Iraqis have been killed in the war.

'The Americans are proud that they have brought democracy to Iraq and have helped hold the successful elections,' said Abdul Salam Hashim, a writer.

'But what we need most is security and bread, not the far-reaching democracy,' he said.

'My life has been upside down since the war started two years ago,' an Iraqi businessman, who gave his name as Abu Jasim, narrated.

Abu Jasim's goods and drivers were twice abducted in the restive border areas and he once paid a ransom of 50,000 dollars for their return.

'I have earned more than before, but unfortunately, I spend much more than before,' he said.

He said that he had to hire more men to protect the home appliances and body guards for his children, who could meet with danger at any time.

'The only good thing the Americans do to Iraqis is the election,' said Abu Jasim. 'I cast my ballots in the polling centers and I feel I am a man who can choose the right answer according to my free will.'

'But the following developments disappointed me since there has been no government up to now and no one caters to our desires,' he said.

'The first thing I hope is to have a powerful government which can lead us to a new Iraq and make us forget the past regime for ever.'