"Thank You America!" by Rachael Doukas

I was very fortunate and privileged to have the opportunity to speak with Mr. Wrya Saeed Rwandzi, a senior advisor to the President of the Republic of Iraq.

Mr. Rwandzi voiced his concerns with the current relationship of Iraq and the United States under the Obama administration. This senior advisor fears that a complete withdrawal will cause a "vacuum that will be led by extremist and Al-Qaeda groups. In this case, the interests of the Iraqi people and American people will be threatened in the region." 

Rwandzi strongly feels there has been a drastic change in policies between Iraq and the United States under the Obama administration. Obama's plan to withdraw all troops by the end of 2011 will have a negative impact on Iraq. If the U.S. completely withdraws its troops, radical Islam will again be emboldened to spread terrorism in the Iraq region.  "We cannot let extremist groups take over the victory of U.S. forces," expressed Rwandzi. 

Mr. Wrya Rwandzi referred to President Bush as an "historical president" and said he is "very, very grateful for him, for his...courageous actions and the sacrifice that has been given by the U.S. army and U.S. people for the freedom and people of Iraq."

Planting the seeds of liberty in Iraq can assist in winning the war on Islamic terror. A friendly Iraq will help America's interests in the Middle East, which is needed now more than ever as dangerous Islamic groups seek to infiltrate governments in Libya, Syria, and Egypt.

Rachael Doukas is a student and chair of the Young Americans for Freedom at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, New York.