Marriage cannot be severed from its cultural religious and natural roots without weakening the good influence of society.

We've persevered because of a belief we share with the Iraqi people - a belief that out of the ashes of war a new beginning could be born in this cradle of civilization. Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq we have met our responsibility. Now it's time to turn the page.

We need fundamental change. In the past national development led to people's happiness but now the link between national growth and improvement in people's lives has been severed.

Getting married and starting a family has been a lifelong goal and one that I have persevered through different paths up to it!