During Saddam's reign, Iraqis used to have many celebrations that were holding according to the wishes of the necessity leader at that time "Saddam". Saddam used to give these days shiny names like "Dignity Day", "Chivalry Day", "the Great Victory Day", and "the Day of the Great March". These "Days" were accompanying with instructed celebrations. Iraqis used to participate in these celebrations to avoid problem with Saddam's regime.   

At that time I envied those people who have spontaneous national celebrations. After the occupation "Collapse Day" 2003, I hoped this policy would end and we would start a new life with new policy.      

Recently our new government decided to borrow the policy of naming days from the former regime. Now we have "Pride Day" which is the day of American withdrawal from the cities.  

Unfortunately many of current policies remind me and other Iraqis of former policies. Two weeks ago I attended a meeting for Maliki with the commanders of MOD and MOI. All the details of this meeting took me back to the Saddam's time staring with the speeches that were glorifying Maliki and ending with Maliki's instructions to hold celebrations all over Iraq to show happiness as if Iraqis can not experience happiness without these instructions. Yes, most Iraqis are very happy with the withdrawal of the American forces but they don’t need any instructions that remind them of dark era. Iraqis will be happy if they forget the "Miserable Days".

After six years Iraqis are still waiting for the "Achievement Day" when the successive governments provide them with the necessary services.