I assured them that the United States believes strongly that the Iraqi constitution should provide equal rights before the law for all Iraqis regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion or sect, ... There can be no compromise.

This is a defining moment. While I encourage participation from all, the United States does not endorse any candidate.

The United States has been declared under martial law...All constitutional rights have been suspended. Anyone interfering with the collection of urine samples will be shot. Anyone failing to attend morning school prayer will be shot. The number one enemy of progress is questions. National security is more important than individual rights. Sports broadcasts will proceed as scheduled. Shut up, be happy, obey all orders without question. At last everything is done for you.

I know that without the right to speak freely, other rights will be denied and democracy will wither.

The United States and NATO are committed to supporting democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Iraq.

The idea of equal rights was in the air.