Googled by the Enemy

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Many Iraqis desire the Internet, especially now when so many of their days are spent in their homes under curfew. Indicators show that for the few Iraqis who have online access, it is quickly becoming their connection to the world. It is also enabling them to stay in touch with a few of their friends and family, whom they are otherwise unable to see because of the extreme security conditions.

Wi-Fi is emerging in remote locations across the globe to connect people, and it might provide a fast and viable solution to the connectivity issue in Iraq. It would enable Iraqis to forgo traditional infrastructure build-out, lower costs to create a platform, and increase productivity. Further, it would give Iraqis access to the online world while they endure the challenges and security threats in the world immediately outside their doors. Finally, a Wi-Fi program in Iraq could position the country as a global leader in technology use.

Pro-Tech-tive Tools

Modern technology being used for both good and bad poses a dilemma that will be debated by scholars and politicians throughout the 21st century. But in this case, we can be quite certain that the British troops would prefer that pictures of their sleeping quarters not be made available online.

In March, 2006, President Bush made clear the U.S. commitment to creating technologies to combat the improvised explosive device threat. He pledged to put "the best technologies in the hands of our men and women on the front lines." At a minimum, we owe our soldiers the best technologies available as the primary focus; it should also be reasonable, though, to assume that the Administration is protecting those men and women on the front lines by anticipating how our adversaries might apply basic and widely available technologies to harm them. Sometimes the most simple or obvious tools prove the most lethal.

The government's use of and attitude toward technology are important, and adversarial applications of technology should be anticipated and impeded. At the same time, we should be more creative in devising methods by which technologies are used to benefit our interests and those of the Iraqis. Technology is essential for economic development, inclusion, education, socialization, and communication—vital ingredients that will interact and lead toward the eventual goal of a stronger and more economically stable Iraq.

Haig is a partner at Iron Horse Ventures (www.ironhorseventures.com), which advises companies and governments on technology initiatives. She writes an occasional column on the Internet and international affairs at http://www.businessweek.com/technology/.