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Date Posted: 12:11:04 09/18/02 Wed
Author: Anonymous
Subject: Re: Iraq?
In reply to: * 's message, "Re: Iraq?" on 11:31:22 09/17/02 Tue


Dear *,

After reading the above discussion concerning the ethics of a pre-emptive strike on Iraq by a nation with dubious motives, I felt the need to respond reasonably rather than to dismiss you as a 'retard'. I dont see why we have to act like silly teenagers by peppering our responses with profanity because we can respect each others' intellectual capacity.

I think it is perfectly feasible for me to question some of your views while still respecting your views as one interpretation of events.

Firstly, you questioned the motives of the USA in recommeding a pre-emptive strike on Iraq. This is not cynical in my opinion but a crucial issue that must be examined. Fundamentally, the USA takes a pragmatic approach to international relations, which is why it supported Diem's dictatorship in Vietnam and Rhee's in Korea. In this way it's moral rhetoric, coloured by religious idealism, seems empty and untrustworthy. Therefore I understand your cynicism as it is hard to respond differently to the USA. Afterall, with its track record in the middle and far east, who wouldnt?

Furthermore, declaring war on Iraq would seem to further add to the USA's unpopularity globally, possibly inspiring more young muslim fundamentalists to join terrorist organisations.

However, whether or not this is the case depends on the specific context of Iraq - do Sadaam Hussain's people truly support him? Is he or could he really be a danger to the wider world by his developing of offensive weapons? Are the USA's motives selfish, i.e. to seize and control Iraq's valuable oil resourses? If these questions arn't answered then how can we truly be sure that war in Iraq is indeed wrong?

For example, was it wrong to overthrow Milosevich? If the people of Iraq were given the choice, would the silent majority rise up against Hussain just as the Romanians did against Ceaucescu following President Gorbachev's policies of perestroika and glasnost in the late 1980s?

If one was to argue theoretically that the silent majority of Iraq craved western freedoms, that the USA wished only for world safety to be achieved through military confrontation, and that Sadaam Hussain was truly an imminent threat to that safety, then I would support a UN backed invasion of Iraq to rid the world of this dictator.

Your fears are predominantly centred on the motives on the USA. Firstly, your mistrust of Bush. I would argue since the USA is a democratic country any decision over war is not just a matter of his own personal views (i.e. finishing what his father started). The American leadership is in fact a complex balance of 'doves' and 'hawks'. Colin Powell exercises great influence over the president. Instead I would argue that the USA would avoid war if they could. One should see Bush's hard line rhetoric asmerely a device to raise the USA's diplomatic power. Afterall, the american public have seen enough bloodshead, not only on 9/11 but in Vietnam and the Gulf. Therefore I would trust the US leadership even if Bush appears to be tallyho and a bit thick.

You might also consider that the USA must pay attention to the rest of the world as it depends on them as markets for its economy. Therefore, I reject theidea that the USA is quite happy for Europe to be blown apart as this would damage its economic and diplomatic balance of power.

This brings into discussion the fact that many of the USA's needs reflect ours as well. I would argue that a powerful USA is in fact essential to all industrialised nations. Do you remember the reason why Blair supported Bush so vociferously after 9/11? It was because of the possiblity that the USA would return to a policy of isolationsim as was the case before 1941. We depend on the USA because it is a powerful ally. Terrorism and anything that threatens this relationship is detrimental. Thus the USA's reasons for a possible pre-emptive strike are important for us as well, even if Iraq and terrorism doesnt affect us directly.

I would also questionyourview that nuclear monopoly in the hands of the USA is a bad thing. Surely as an ally, we should be glad that this is the case?whatwould have happened if Hitler or another dictator had been allowed to develop such a monopoly? All of the freedoms inherent to western civilization, i.e. freedom of speech, political freedoms and economic liberalism,would vanish. This is why the UN will support an attack on anything that threatens these taken for granted freedoms. All that must be established is whether Iraq is truly a threat to us.

Thank you for opening up such an interesting debate and I hope that this has been a more respectful and consturctive reply than the previous one. If one cannot respond reasonably to a fair argument then I say to you no lit te bastardes decorundum.

bye.

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Replies:

  • Re: Iraq? -- T, 14:07:34 09/18/02 Wed
  • Re: Iraq? -- *, 17:23:22 09/18/02 Wed
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