February 5, 2007
by Robert T. Melaccio Sr.

In putting this forward as a consideration perhaps it puts a different twist on what is being discussed by those seeking a solution? Certainly, it may not be the total answer, just that in my opinion it might solve some key issues. It removes the perspective that other sects are in total control and replaces it with a local authority run by the people of that specific area that are known and recognized by those people and who they have a trust relationship with them.

Also, considering many of the combatants in Iraq, regardless of what side they are on, profess a faith and that the foundation of all faiths is the command of God not to kill His creation, we call upon all adversaries to consider the costs in human life and all other aspects. We certainly all realize people of every faith currently live within the borders of Iraq but the majorities are Muslim of different sects. Christian and others while living within this domain do face some persecution. However, the opinion that all cannot live together is not true. Christians had been tolerated under Saddam and had been worshiping freely. In fact just the other day two persons of opposite sects spoke of how many get along. It is fear that is driving the separation. Remove the fear and you have a chance.

Unfortunately, in all aspects there have been tragic and substantial costs not only to the people of Iraq but the entire world relating to the ?freeing? of Iraq from the grasp of Saddam. Certainly there was jubilation upon this even. But then those who seek power and fame stepped in with their own ideology. The majority, while wanting peace, is trapped in the web of terror and poor leadership. So what does that speak to?

It says that under the current conditions the vast majority who want to live in peace must continue to kill each other until one side is killed off or surrenders in total. History tells us this is a false perspective. However, there is only one avenue for total peace and that has not materialized in many places in this world as yet. In implementing peace we cannot ignore all parties regardless of their recognized political affiliation or independent ideologies. To do so would ignore all avenues for peace and leave the door open for resumption of hostilities, even for the smallest crack and we are back to an eye for an eye mentality. The only route is simple yet it escapes mankind, especially those who seem to profess to be most religious and seek love.

Certainly this plan represents my opinion that we must all humble ourselves to extend the Olive Branch to everyone and for the love of all mankind if we are ever to expect peace! The plan provided herein is based on the premise that all parties to the hostilities will be invited to discuss and consider peace. It is only when great nations and peoples come together to try to resolve conflict in that peace is possible. In the opinion of this author it is a small price to pay.

The foundation concepts for opening discussion will be as follows an immediate cease-fire by all parties and armed militia. Of course we will not be naive that there are parties who wish to disrupt the process. However, these should stand out and be readily identifiable "if" all parties truly seek peace.

1- Step one after the cease-fire would be that Coalition troops would withdraw to designated safe staging areas for later withdrawal and allows the Iraq government to assume security for the entire nation. They will remain in reactionary positions to assist the Iraq forces.

2- the county of Iraq is to be divided into three autonomous states living within a national border.

3- the three states will operate as in the United States, having all the requirements for governing and living under the national constitution and having their own law; state border and all recognized normal government agencies defined as norms for any society.

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4- all private armies and militia will turn in their arms and weapons and may apply to become part of a state militia.

5- All parties residing within these defined borders will have freedom of movement to any and all area?s within the national boundaries.

6- after a predetermined period of peace and violence ceases Coalition forces will start their withdrawal as agreed with the National Elected Government.

7- National civil law for all occupants will be above religious law in all aspects and the civil law will not hold the tenants of any specific religious faith within the law. However, persons charged with a crime will have the elective of trial by civil or religious law of "their" specific faith or sect.

9- No person of another faith who resides within the defined boundaries may be tried under the religious law of another faith or sect unless they freely chose to do so.

10 As part of the peace agreement compensation for damages will be awarded to all residents impacted by the war by a court comprised of an elected representative of all parties and with an impartial advocate casting the deciding vote.

11- all religious Holy Sites may not be encumbered by other faiths and all shall be allowed equal and unhindered access. A group of designated Religious Authority will rule over the security, use and the proposed changes at any sites. No religion shall impose restraint on the other to worship freely within the borders of the nation or to establish religious sites of importance considering with respect the site if claimed by any other faith as a religious symbol. An impartial arbitrator will serve as the deciding vote. Impartial arbitrators shall have no affiliation with any dominant religion and in fact may have no affiliation with any faith. However, they also may not have a history of favor toward any one faith. Therefore all must consider this party acceptable.

12- As a state within a nation all natural resources will be the property of the nation and shared equally with all states and where feasible each state will have access to those resources to secure their interests. The National government will conduct all business as associated and identified as the responsibility of the National Government, such as treaties, trade, security, etc.

13- each state will be allowed a "National Guard and Police agency to enforce state laws and which will function under the Constitution of the nation and under the jurisdiction of the individual state. They will also serve as a reserve force in time of a natural or security crisis.

Of course this is just a draft outline and in no way could it ever represent a final compromise. Certainly many whose only goal is revenge and hate will not see anything in this plan and they most likely never will. However, the only option left is the elimination of your foe and certainly freedom and the nation. I mention throughout all of history this has never worked and the nations and people who practiced this suffered a terrible price. However, if any of these concepts prove fruitful then I do believe nations, for the sake of mankind, have an obligation to explore the feasibility. The real test comes if all who profess their faith and belief in that faith can place the pursuit of love first [As the Great Prophet Himself stated-is the greatest of strengths under Muslim belief] and the Iraq people really want peace and can find a way to place aside sectarian views and work together for the elimination of outside terrorists, who have no interest in their nation and have only brought dead and destruction. In my opinion this is the test that separates true believers from those who pursue personal ambition and goals, using the claim to faith as their tool. Go in peace!

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Robert T. Melaccio Sr. [send him email] is a freelance writer.

Copyright © 2007 Robert Melaccio