Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani – March 26, 2003

Clashes in Iraq are becoming increasingly violent. Last night, the United States used an electromagnetic electronic bomb in order to disrupt frequencies and wireless communications, and also bombed the central radio and television station to disrupt Iraq’s propaganda system. Today it also bombed a commercial center in Baghdad, resulting in dozens of deaths and a large number of injuries. In Basra as well, the city has been bombed with brutality, and for several days now water and electricity in Basra have been cut off. In the area around Karbala, clashes have taken place between the attackers and the Iraqi Republican Guard division, with casualties on both sides.

In practice, the hypocritical policy that the United States wanted to present itself as a savior of the people from Saddam Hussein’s pressure has failed, and no one believes it. Because in these days of war, the main share of destruction, deaths, and injuries has been among civilians, and the United States has realized that the claims made by Iraqi opposition groups—that the army would not fight for Saddam and that the Iraqi people would welcome the invaders—were incorrect.

In the past two or three days, storms and rain have imposed severe limitations on the attackers. Two more injured soldiers died from a grenade attack by U.S. Sergeant Kamal Akbar on the tent of the commanders of the 101st Airborne Division. A British tank mistakenly targeted another British tank, killing and injuring a number of personnel. Today, three helicopters and one unmanned aircraft belonging to the United States have been destroyed.

In several countries, attacks on American centers such as McDonald’s restaurants and shops have taken place. American cultural and artistic figures do not dare to appear in public gatherings around the world. Michael Moore, winner of an Oscar award, criticized George W. Bush’s war policy during the Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood, which was warmly received by those present. A British couple living in Canada, both named “George,” changed their names in protest against Bush.

Today, a large number of government officials visited for New Year greetings. Discussions were mostly about the Iraq issue. Some expressed dissatisfaction with the state broadcasting organization’s news policy, seeing it as biased and in favor of Iraq.