As an American, it is my constitutional duty to write and express my views in light of what might happen in Iraq. Knowing the impact of war upon people, I want to express my concern regarding President Bush’s policy towards Iraq.
The war Bush might start within weeks will kill a lot of innocent people in Iraq. It will unsettle thousands of people in the region and might cause future wars between rival tribes in Iraq, such as Kurdish factions in northern Iraq and Shia Muslims in the South, both seeking independence. Understanding firsthand the destruction of war, I urge you to oppose this illegal and immoral war against Iraq and its people.
Iraq has been under U.N. sanctions since the Gulf War. Sanctions have had tragic consequences on Iraq’s economy and its people. These U.N. sanctions killed thousands of Iraqi children by preventing food and medicine to reach the country. President Bush claims the only reason he is attacking Iraq is to liberate it from the oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein. He claims he wants to give power back to Iraqi people.
If Bush really cared about Iraqi people, why didn’t he send any food or medicine to Iraqi children, showing that he really cares and wants the best for Iraqis? Somehow he wants to help Iraqis by bombing cities and homes.
Bush and his administration did not show any proof Iraq is a bigger threat now to the United Sates — or any other country in the region — than it was 10 years ago. Iraq is militarily weaker now than it has ever been. How can we say Iraq is a threat to the U.S.’ national security?
This war is not about weapons of mass destruction — it’s about oil and other minerals we know Iraq possesses. I know who will benefit from war: It is the president’s friends from rich oil companies who don’t care how many Iraqis die before they get oil.
Saddam is an evil man. He is a dictator who has killed many innocent people. We all know this. Iraqis would only benefit from his departure. If this war could only eliminate Saddam from power and not kill thousands of people, I would support it, but we all know this is not the case. Neither Saddam’s nor Bush’s children will be fighting this war, only those sons and daughters of poor farmers, school teachers, mechanics, factory workers, housekeepers and plumbers.
The U.N. program monitoring Iraq’s weapons is working to put pressure on Saddam by prohibiting him from developing weapons of mass destruction. We should give this program a chance and not start war on the assumption Iraq will give these weapons to terrorists.
If Iraq has weapons of mass destruction, U.N. weapons inspectors will find and destroy them. We have to give inspectors enough time to continue their inspections and not rush to a war that will kill thousands of people, destabilizing the Middle East region. Iraq can be disarmed with aggressive inspections and diplomatic pressure.
Emir Zec information technology engineer
