Pimm Fox writes in Computerworld about problems surrounding the .iq top level domain.
Because of a legal dispute, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers has frozen the .iq address, making it impossible for Iraqi organizations, businesses and people to establish their unique identities online.
This should be changed, now.
I agree wholeheartedly. But what's the problem?
It seems that InfoCom Corp., the Richardson, Texas-based company that runs the .iq domain name, was indicted in 2002 for allegedly exporting computer equipment to Libya and Syria. In addition, the company is charged with sending money to terrorist groups in the Middle East.
Until the conclusion of the trial, which began in Dallas last month, .iq stays locked up.
This doesn't make sense.
The Iraqi people need and deserve the opportunity to have an electronic identity. They should be able to build Web pages, establish businesses and create electronic communities without having to borrow domain names from other countries in the region.
The last thing we should want to do is inhibit Iraq's progress because we're prosecuting someone who (allegedly) supports terrorism. But what can be done?
One way to facilitate the use of the .iq domain would be to put it in an escrow account until the trial is completed, so it could be made available now to Iraqis on a nonprofit basis.
If ICANN would allow this to happen, I feel certain there's at least one organization in the world who would be willing to undertake this effort.
Fox's closing comments are right on the mark.
Getting Iraq on the Internet could give it a technological boost and perhaps even encourage a broadband build-out of the country's infrastructure. In the past, less-developed countries have been able to move from no phone service to mobile phone service, completely bypassing the time and costs of fixed-line development.
But perhaps the most important reason to release the .iq domain is the one least likely to come with dollar signs. It has to do with this strange notion: It's intrinsically a good thing when people have a say about their lives and are able to communicate their feelings, opinions and ideas to others through e-mail, online postings, Web sites and blogs.
It can build pride and respect. And, if you can for only a moment cut through the cynicism so prevalent in what we call a technologically advanced culture, it can give people a chance to dream.
If ever there was a country that needs to dream, it's Iraq. Freeing the .iq domain address is a start.
