The Iraq question - Letters to the Editor

Faleh A. Jabar approached a profound policy proposal ("Opposing War Is Good, But Not Good Enough," January issue), but he left this reader hanging because he wasn't specific enough.

Jabar proposed splintering the "class-clan" in Iraq, but he didn't say who they are or what positions they hold.

He also proposed a "mini-Marshall Plan" but he didn't say what it would accomplish or who would do the work.

But I think he's correct that something along those lines would depose totalitarianism and move Iraq toward democracy more effectively than an invasion would.

Iraq is precisely why the international community needs to focus within sovereign nations in order to prevent genocide. Jabar came tantalizingly close to delineating a method. Strong general proposals, which Jabar suggests, cry out for details.

Robert Covelli
Santa Fe, New Mexico

I felt compelled to express some ideas after reading Faleh A. Jabar's article. The reality of our world is that there is no justification for any preemptive act of war.

The argument that the United States should attack Iraq for its possession of weapons of mass destruction doesn't hold up, for obvious reasons. If Saddam lost his privilege of possessing weapons of mass destruction for his act of violence against Kuwait, how come the United States hasn't lost that privilege for its own numerous acts of violence against other countries, one of which it was actually found guilty of by the World Court? Israel has weapons of mass destruction, is in violation of Security Council resolutions, has refused to sign the nonproliferation treaty, and has sustained an openly hostile attitude toward the Palestinians even in times of peace, yet it suffers not a pound of international pressure about any of these issues.

The argument for liberating the Iraqis from a totalitarian leadership doesn't hold up, either. First, it would require military action all over the world, including China. Second, the United States doesn't exactly have a spotless record as a guardian of world democracy.

Peace is the only realistic option. No to war in Iraq. All prayer for those who can truly deliver peace and freedom.

Ranieri Almeida
Columbia, Missouri

COPYRIGHT 2003 The Progressive, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group