Iraq's U.S.-picked leaders approved a new flag for the country, dumping Saddam Hussein's red-and-black standard. The new design is white with two blue stripes, and although it has a crescent representing Islam, the flag no longer bears the words ''God is great.''
The new design not only abandons the symbols of Saddam's regime. It also avoids the colors used in other Arab flags: green and black for Islam and red for Arab nationalism. The change recalls the U.S. agenda of creating a ''New Iraq'' that is exceptional in the Arab world.
article
The new design not only abandons the symbols of Saddam's regime. It also avoids the colors used in other Arab flags: green and black for Islam and red for Arab nationalism. The change recalls the U.S. agenda of creating a ''New Iraq'' that is exceptional in the Arab world.
First of all, there's the question of creating a new flag before the Iraqis even get to elect their own leaders. (Oh yeah, maybe they never will get to.)
Secondly, there's the problem that the new design is very reminiscent of the Israeli flag.
Iraqi flag under Saddam
New flag proposed by U.S. appointed Governing Council
Israeli flag
graphics from Washington Post
And thirdly, the above-mentioned: "Allahu akbar" has been removed, and there is no reflection of Arab nationality in the flag's colors.
Oh well, it's just a symbol, right? Why all the fuss?
....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.
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