THE EDITOR, Sir:
There are reasons why Iraq should not be attacked, and reasons why it should. Iraq should not be attacked just because Saddam Hussein is a tyrannical megalomaniac, or because he indiscreetly tortures, and murders opponents.
Iraq should not be attacked just because its leader flouts United Nations resolutions, or because he has weapons of mass destruction.
Iraq should not be attacked because its leader came to power by unorthodox means, or because he enriches his minority cronies at the expense of the majority poor. Iraq should not be attacked just because it invades other countries, slaughters civilians, or because its leader is a bellicose liar.
If Iraq were invaded for these mundane reasons, then so many other countries would justifiably, either be invading others, be invaded themselves, or be simultaneously both, it would truly bring to pass, that Mother of All Battles!
Moreover, to invade Iraq just because of the untoward practices of Saddam is to ignore the obvious: that Saddam's reign and regime represent a huge success story for the cynical policies of successive US administrations, and the venal practices of US agencies like the CIA.
Notwithstanding, the fact that there are no good, decent, nor democratic reasons why Iraq should be invaded, it should still be invaded, because... well, because it does not export Olive Oil! No Olive oil? Obviously, no Olive branch!
Also, Iraq should be invaded because the populace will only be further traumatised, and a mere 100, 000 men, women, and children (possibly more) will be killed.
Finally, invading Iraq to oust Saddam represents a reversal of US policies towards him. In acknowledging this change, George Bush came closer than he has ever come to the speaking truth - even if, inadvertently - when, during his State of The Union speech he claimed for the invading US, the role of, "Liberator". Bush might have completed this reversal by also apologising to the Iraqi people for past US support that aided and abetted a Saddam, now so much out of favour; now so soon out of office!
All we are saying is, bloody well, Give War Another Chance... to make profits!
I am etc,
LENNOX FARRELL
Toronto
lfarrell1@rogers.com
Via Go-Jamaica
