A letter from Major Walt Cooper, Chairman of the Board, Iraqi Refugee Assistance Project:
Dear IRAP Friends and Supporters:
I wanted to share with you the editorial from this Sunday’s New York Times, “Unfinished Business in Iraq.” In it, the Editorial Board of the NYT, using information provided by IRAP, urges Washington to live up to its moral obligation toward Iraqis who risked their lives to assist the U.S. military.
Like many American commanders, my work in Iraq revolved around the relationships I formed with my counterparts in the Iraqi military and with members of the local community. The Iraqi interpreters who volunteered to work with my team were invaluable in building these relationships, and they were always at my side. Working so closely together, we became dear friends. I felt – and still feel – an obligation to do what I can to protect them from the incredible risks they took for the sake of my team and our mission.
I am proud that IRAP has been able to generate so much attention around this issue, and that IRAP has become the primary American resource for the administration of and successful conclusion of this process.
This work would not be possible without your interest, encouragement, and support.
Sincerely,
Major Walt Cooper
Chairman of the Board, Iraqi Refugee Assistance Project