A recent report on the death of Ahmad Chalabi, an Iraqi politician who in early 2000 came out of exile to take advantage of a U.S. invasion of his homeland, said his reasons were less than altruistic.
Rather than work to instill a democracy after 24 years of dictatorship under Saddam Hussein, Chalabi’s return was more to settle old scores — some generations old.
“An Iraqi never forgets,” the reporter quoted him as saying.
With a mindset like that, progress is at a decided disadvantage.
I’VE BURNED some bridges in my lifetime. Most were from stupid misunderstandings long ago that my injured pride would not let me set straight. And I’ve found that even though many years have passed, the wounds don’t really heal. It takes just a fleeting thought to rekindle the memory of a once pleasant friendship since gone sour.
At the time I didn’t think much of the loss, my righteousness so blinding. “They’ll come around,” I’d think.
What haunts me most is the thought of a lost chance at understanding, of healing, and maybe of even creating a stronger friendship.
So when I read about Chalabi, I could understand how past grievances can take undue proportion. But while his course was revenge, mine, thankfully, is to make amends.
A VISIT with Carol Sager brought this all to mind. As Iola’s newly appointed Chamber of Commerce director, Carol appears to be a natural.
One telltale sign stands out.
In a wide-ranging conversation with her Thursday, Carol casually mentioned that she and a small group of Iola High School classmates from 35 years ago gather for lunch on a monthly basis.
Not only have these women remained steadfast friends over the years, but they also continue to make the effort to get together on a regular basis.
To Carol, it was a no-brainer.
What it showed me is that she is a woman who recognizes the value of relationships.
