I was surprised and pleased to find this article in the New York Times. I know I am making a vast generalization, but I believe most poets consider themselves as enlightened artists who try to make a difference in society with their work. Many artists believe that they cannot be truly creative unless they have undergone problems (just as some singers claim you cannot sing the blues when you are very happy). If this is true, some great poetry should be written in a free Iraq.

At the Writers' Union, a shabby building that once was the domain of the government's literary minions, a new leadership has declared itself in charge. A maxim of Mr. Hussein's still adorns the entranceway, proclaiming, "The nation without great poets will not have great politicians." But outside, a handwritten sign had been taped to the wall. "All of you who used your pens to glorify the dictatorship must lay down your pens and make way for those who were smothered by the regime," the notice said.