Bangkok--Feb 1--eTurbo news
As Iraq eagerly awaits the results of the national elections held January 30, interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has called Iraqis to set aside differences and to regard Sunday's voting successful as millions of ballots were cast. Of the 240 candidates expecting favorable returns is the Number 3 on Allawi's election ticket and number 9 on the entire list, Dr. Rajah Habib Khuzai. Allawi's medical school classmate in the '60s, she is more importantly a fellow Iraqi Governing Council member. The former director of the Diwayana Maternity Hospital, Dr. Khuzai was appointed to the Iraqi Council July 13, 2003; however, she still supervises the centre checking for equipment, medicines and supplies while looking after the Spanish troops, every now and then. Perhaps one unsung hero Iraq failed to notice, Dr. Khuzai served her people in silence for six weeks during the first Gulf War. She kept Diwayana open long after doctors had abandoned their stations and fled for safety in bunkers in their Baghdad homes.
Born to a big tribe of over a million, the Khuzaa' in south-central Iraq in a town called Diwayana, Dr. Khuzai believes Iraq is ready for change. eTurboNews asked her to assess the current situation in Iraq, one day after Iraqis had their first exercise, after many decades, of the right to vote.
eTurboNews: How do you describe the general situation in Iraq today, a few hours after your people went to the polls?
Dr. Rajah Habib Khuzai: Today, it has been exceptionally quiet. After the curfew was lifted at noon today, there are very few cars and people in the streets. But about half an hour ago, we heard an explosion which could be near the fortified Green Zone. (No further details were available at the time of writing, 1130 hours EST.)
eTN: How was the actual scene at the polls Saturday?
Khuzai: It was relatively peaceful and quiet despite a day we had expected to be rife in violence and bloodshed. The plan to secure the election centers was done extremely well. People cast their ballots. However, there were four incidents of explosion. (One case had a police recognize a man with explosives tied around his waist; while he wrested with the suicide bomber, the bomb went off and killed them both). So far, we had 30 were killed yesterday. But overall, people went about town as if it were a challenge between the people of Iraq and the terrorists. The mood was one on winning with taking part in the election unfazed by terrorists.
eTN: Who should be Iraq's prime minister elect?
Khuzai: Iraq today needs a tough leader. Terrorists are all over the place. A weak leader is not good for Iraq for the time being. He has a very high chance of winning. When the United Iraqi Alliance grouped with Al Sistani, we thought it best to form our own coalition with the Kurds and other moderates. As Parliament Members or National Assembly, we can work together to serve all Iraqi peoples' interests and stand united against the other big lists.
eTN: If Allawi wins, how can Iraq improve the level of safety and security?
Khuzai: Since June 2004, the security portfolio has been in the hands of the multinational forces, never in the Iraqis'. But the security portfolio to be under Iraqi's control is foremost in the formation of the new transitional government. We would like to secure our country better than they have done in the last two and a half years.
eTN: So, when do you foresee people can travel to Iraq after the new government comes to power? What will you do upon being elected?
Khuzai: I cannot tell you, but I think soon. First thing on our agenda is to secure the borders with our neighbours; our borders are widely open. Next, train the Iraqi military forces. Bring back the strength of the former army and improve the intelligence of Iraq.
eTN: Will you then be ready for visitation?
Khuzai: It will take some time, very gradually from zero to 10 percent in increments. As I would not be the Prime Minister, I could not advance the process as he could in 2 weeks or one month. It will take a few months before visitors can actually come. By the end of February or beginning of March, we expect to see some positive changes.
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