Adopted in 2008, The flag of Iraq has three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black. The Takbir (Arabic expression meaning "God is great") in green Arabic script is centered in the white band. The band colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression (black), overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright future (white). The Council of Representatives approved this flag in 2008 as a compromise temporary replacement for the Ba'athist Saddam-era flag.