[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 7]
[House]
[Page 8985]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              DOUBLE STANDARDS APPLIED REGARDING TERRORISM

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the order of the House of 
January 20, 2004, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble) is 
recognized during morning hour debates for 5 minutes.
  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, the infamous Iraqi prison photographs with 
which we are so familiar portray deplorable scenes for which we will 
apologize. I am concerned that these inappropriate practices occurred, 
but I am further concerned regarding the double standards that many 
countries apply regarding terrorism, and I will discuss that in detail 
herewith.
  Much attention has been directed, Mr. Speaker, against America 
regarding the Iraqi prison matter; but comparatively speaking, little 
has been expressed against the terrorists.
  Who will apologize or express concern for the 9/11 attack and the 
3,000 innocent lives lost?
  Who will apologize for the first attack to the World Trade Center and 
subsequent attacks upon our embassies and the U.S.S. Cole?
  Who will apologize for the recent deadly explosion in Spain?
  Who will apologize regarding hostages who were mutilated and hanged 
from a bridge while onlookers gleefully applauded and laughed 
obscenely?
  These questions are rhetorical, Mr. Speaker, because no apologies are 
forthcoming, and many do not appear to be concerned about it.
  I am told that the majority of Iraqis wanted Saddam removed from 
power, but they were unwilling and were incapable of doing the job 
themselves because they feared Saddam and knew the pain and torture he 
was capable of inflicting upon them.
  Incidentally, Mr. Speaker, Saddam's rape rooms are no longer open for 
business, nor are Saddam's torture chambers. Why do we hear virtually 
nothing about the rape rooms and the torture chambers having been shut 
down? They are shut down because America, Great Britain, and coalition 
members stepped forward and Saddam retreated to his spider hole where 
he was captured.
  Some in Iraq embrace us as liberators, while others, including 
terrorists from beyond Iraq, reject us as occupiers.

                              {time}  1245

  The closer Iraq approaches freedom and democracy, the more 
impediments and barriers the terrorists will erect.
  When the government is handed over to the Iraqi Council on 30 June, 
many have declared, oh, the Americans must never leave because civil 
unrest may erupt. Well, I agree, we cannot abruptly depart, but Iraq 
needs to step up to the plate on 30 June.
  Mr. Speaker, there is an expression uttered in the rural South to 
indicate appropriate timing. This expression is called ``high time.'' 
So I say today it is high time for Iraq to accept responsibility and 
express a willingness to govern and stand up to terrorism. If they want 
us to leave, they can show the world they are capable of governing 
responsibly. They can show the world they have the fortitude to avoid 
intimidation by terrorists and the evil practices they dispense.
  I am not suggesting that America become the rigid, inflexible, fully 
supportive rod for the Iraqi spine or backbone, but rather serve as a 
brace or splint to permit and encourage independent function. I firmly 
believe that day will come, Mr. Speaker. I pray it will be sooner 
rather than later.

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