Iraq's ambassador to the U.S., Samir Shakir Mahmood Sumaida'ie, says the current climate in Iraq should not discourage future investors.

"We have suffered nearly 900 suicide attacks," Sumaida'ie said at a Houston World Affairs Council program recently. "Can you imagine any country that can survive such an onslaught? These people who have come out of such trauma deserve to exercise their freedom."

As part of Iraq's economic recovery, the country needs foreign investment, such as in the oil industry, which will be mutually beneficial, he added. "Get a foot in the door. The opportunities will be considerable, and we will need you."

Despite facing an enemy that is "brutal beyond belief," the Iraqi people are resolved to rebuilding their country and need foreign assistance. Sumaida'ie also spoke against the "speedy withdrawal" the U.S. is currently pondering.

"I say, 'Think again.' What's at stake here is a great deal. A hasty withdrawal could cause a security vacuum that would cause our neighbors to move in."

From an economic perspective, Iraq is seeking a comeback following disastrous spending policies under former president Saddam Hussein. Prior to Hussein's takeover, Iraq had a stable economy with a gross domestic product similar to that of Spain. By the time he was overthrown, Iraq had a debt of $350 billion.

"Saddam...was strong, but the rest of the country had collapsed."

As for a death sentence for Hussein, he said, "I'm not losing a lot of sleep over what's happening to Saddam. And we're dispensing more justice to him than he ever dispensed to us. I think, more frankly, about justice to Saddam's victims."

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