After two years of turmoil and bloodshed in Iraq, interim prime minister Ayad Allawi has declared the country in a state of emergency.

With this new designation comes the question, "What does this mean and how will it help Iraq?"

With planning for an all-out offensive on Fallujah underway, it seems like Iraq is readying for the tremors of a massive military operation.

If the action in Fallujah will be any more harsh or severe than what the citizens and soldiers there have already experienced, they are in for a rough ride to democracy. We hope they get there, eventually, but in the meantime worry about an operation that might result in a large loss of life.

Officials from the U.S. government or the government of Iraq need to explain what a state of emergency really means.

Will Iraq receive extra money, troops or support? Will countries already on the ground or supporting the new Iraq be expected to step up their roles? If so, the people of Iraq and all parties involved would like to know.

If declaring a state of emergency is a warning to the people of Iraq that the battle to take Falluja will be more severe than those of the past, how are they expected to prepare? In a country where war and chaos reign, supplies and safety are hard to find. Giving a mere warning is not enough.

On that same note, telling the citizens of a country, especially Iraq, that they are in a state of emergency is pointless - they live with the danger of dying every day. No one knows when a bomb will fall from the sky to blow their village, school or home to pieces.

Iraq has a long road to travel down before it ever will be able to stand on its own.

Declaring an already disorderly country a state of emergency is not enough - the U.S. government needs to step in and provide more shelter and aid for those who are going to be at the forefront of this battle.