Opposition to the Iraqi regime -- as embodied by Saddam Hussein -- is no longer the issue. The war has overshadowed any evaluation of that regime to become a brutal example of military aggression pursued in the face of opposition from the international community. The war we are witnessing in Iraq breaches all international laws and norms of behaviour. It is a tragic example of the strong exercising its will over the weak: the former feels no compunction to act within international law, believing that might is right.
Wars have never resulted in enhanced security and peace: indeed, history has shown repeatedly that the opposite is true. In the case of Iraq, the US-led war will inevitably result in an escalation of violence and terrorism in the region. This hideous war, which has left the Arab street in a state of profound agitation, will be a destabilising factor and as such will encourage the spread of violence and terrorism.
I had hoped that society had reached a stage from which it might eventually come to transcend conflict and confront extremist violence and terrorism in a manner that could earn the right to be called civilised. How wrong I was. The US, and its current leadership, represent a descent into the dark age.
Opposition to the Iraqi regime -- as embodied by Saddam Hussein -- is no longer the issue. The war has overshadowed any evaluation of that regime to become a brutal example of military aggression pursued in the face of opposition from the international community. The war we are witnessing in Iraq breaches all international laws and norms of behaviour. It is a tragic example of the strong exercising its will over the weak: the former feels no compunction to act within international law, believing that might is right.
