Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
It’s easy to get discouraged over daily news reports out of Iraq.
The constant bombardment of information about what’s going wrong in the war for peace can be disheartening. KSL shares concern for the enormous cost, both in human sacrifice and the money it will take to rebuild a nation.
But, let’s not forget good things are happening, too. Contrary to what some may think, the situation in Iraq is far from hopeless.
Dr. James Mayfield emphasized that point during a recent visit home. The Salt Lake City resident and respected political scientist knows from first-hand experience. He is working at the local level there, to teach the Iraqi people how to govern themselves.
Listen carefully to what he said:
"The images that are coming out of Baghdad reflect the harm and the violence. It doesn’t reflect the behind the scenes working of councils and with department heads and with local government systems that are presently organizing the schools, opening the schools, providing services and hospitals and clinics. And all of these things are going on throughout the country."
KSL is thankful for Dr. Mayfield’s optimistic first-hand evaluation, along with his reminder that it will take time to prepare the oppressed Iraqi people for an open and pluralistic constitutional experience.