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News > RNC: Zainab Al-Suwaij

Partial transcript of the speech by Zainab Al-Suwaij, American Islamic Congress Executive Director at the Republican National Convention.

There has been a war raging in Iraq for three decades. A war was waged by Saddam on his own people. I lived through it. I saw it brutalize my friends and my family.

But today I come to tell you Iraq enjoys a new day. Yes, there is still bloodshed and uncertainty but America and the strong, compassionate leadership of President Bush has given Iraqis the most precious gift any nation has ever given to another, the gift of democracy and the freedom to determine its own future. Already the seeds of democracy are bearing fruit with popular elections recently held for local officials and we know our children face a brighter future.

So as I grieve for the courageous Americans and Iraqis who were killed and injured in Iraq's liberation. I tell you proudly that their noble sacrifice was not in vain. As Iraqis assume full sovereignty they embrace the American people in friendship and gratitude. I promise you we will never forget what your sons and daughters did for us. Thank you very much.