Meaning: The quote you provided is a powerful statement made by Akbar Rafsanjani, a prominent Iranian politician who was also the fourth President of Iran from 1989 to 1997. In this quote, Rafsanjani is addressing the complex and dire situation faced by the Iraqi people during the Iraq War, specifically highlighting the atrocities committed by both the Zarqawi groups and the American troops. This quote sheds light on the suffering and violence experienced by the Iraqi people, who found themselves caught in the crossfire between these two opposing forces.

Rafsanjani's mention of Zarqawi refers to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian militant who led the militant group al-Qaeda in Iraq. Zarqawi's group was notorious for carrying out brutal attacks, including the widespread use of car bombs that targeted civilians, government officials, and infrastructure. These tactics resulted in significant loss of life and contributed to the destabilization of Iraq during the war.

On the other hand, Rafsanjani's reference to the American troops alludes to the actions of the United States military during the Iraq War. The use of "other bombs" mentioned in the quote likely refers to the aerial bombardment and artillery strikes employed by the U.S. forces as part of their military operations in Iraq. Additionally, Rafsanjani's mention of "what they do in the prisons" likely alludes to the abuses and controversies surrounding the treatment of detainees in facilities such as Abu Ghraib prison, where reports of torture and mistreatment emerged, sparking international condemnation and scrutiny.

Rafsanjani's statement captures the devastating impact of the conflict on the civilian population, who faced violence and suffering from multiple sources. The Iraqi people were confronted with a dual threat, experiencing the indiscriminate and ruthless attacks of insurgent groups like Zarqawi's, while also enduring the consequences of military operations and occupation by foreign forces.

This quote reflects the complexities and moral ambiguities of modern warfare, where the distinction between combatants and civilians becomes blurred, and the human cost of conflict is tragically high. It underscores the profound humanitarian crisis that unfolded in Iraq during the war, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence and enduring immense hardship.

Furthermore, Rafsanjani's remarks serve as a reminder of the ethical and moral responsibilities that all parties involved in armed conflict bear towards protecting civilian lives and upholding human rights. The quote prompts reflection on the broader implications of military interventions and the imperative of minimizing harm to non-combatants in the pursuit of strategic and political objectives.

In conclusion, Akbar Rafsanjani's quote encapsulates the harrowing reality faced by the Iraqi people during the Iraq War, as they grappled with the brutal actions of insurgent groups like Zarqawi's and the consequences of foreign military intervention. It serves as a poignant commentary on the profound human suffering and moral complexities inherent in armed conflict, urging us to confront the sobering realities of war and its impact on civilian populations.