Advocating a change to democracy for Iraq, current U.S. Ambassador to the Phillipines Francis Ricciardone '73 delivered a lecture last night about the current situation in the Middle East, entitled "Influencing the Morning After in Iraq."
Although refraining from giving specific recommendation for military and political actions with regards to the Middle Eastern nation, Riccardone said he strongly supports the current U.S. foreign policy towards Iraq.
However, Ricciardone did not mention the Pacific nation's ongoing struggle with Abu Sayyaf guerrillas, which the United States has linked to the Al Qaeda terrorist group.
An American soldier in the Philippines as part of a U.S. program to train that country's military to fight the Muslim extremist group was killed Wednesday in a bomb blast outside the gates of a military base in the southern part of the island nation. Military officials have linked the explosion to Abu Sayyaf.
In his discussion of Iraq, Ricciardone pointed out that the Iraq Liberation Act -- a piece of legislation passed unanimously by Congress during the Clinton administration that was forgotten about "during Monicagate" -- made it U.S. law to support a transition to democracy in Iraq. He suggested this included the overthrow of the current dictatorship and may justifies military action against Iraq.
Ricciardone stated several times that he believes democracy can one day work in Iraq. Although noting that such a transition would be difficult, he said it remains the best option for the future well-being of both Iraq and its people.
According to Ricciardone, the current Iraqi regime and all its dictatorial predecessors have "deliberately, methodically, and gravely undermined the civil society" in Iraq and will fall "sooner or later."
Ricciardone concluded his segment on Iraq by sharing his vision for Iraq: "A government that will be democratic and pluralist, that maintains Iraqi territorial integrity, that represents the human rights of all, that meets all international league obligations, and that lives in peace with its neighbors."
Ricciardone spoke in front of a mixed crowd of 50 students, professors and community members. Although the speech had been promoted as a discussion of Iraq's future, Ricciardone also discussed his experience in the U.S. foreign service and the relationship between the United States and the Philippines.
He described the services as not only "a unique way to serve your country, but also a chance to shape international events."
Ricciardone also mentioned the improving relations between the United States and the Philippines, emphasizing his efforts to rebuild the economic links between the two countries. He did not mention the Pacific nation's ongoing struggle with the Abu Sayyaf guerrilla group, which the United States has linked to the Al Qaeda terrorist group.
An American soldier in the Philippines as part of a U.S. program to train that country's military to fight the Muslim extremist group was killed Wednesday in a bomb blast outside the gates of a military base in the southern part of the island nation.
Ricciardone was introduced to the audience by French Professor John Rassias, one of his former professors.
