But as I watched reports of thousands of US troops being deployed to the gulf region, I had to wonder whether this is necessary. AFAIK there has been no concrete evidence of weapons of mass destruction in progress, or any expansion from Iraq into neighbouring countries. Apart from taking pot-shots at allied planes, the Iraqi’s seem to be more or less behaving themselves. At what stage did this nation suddenly become the focus of the “war on terror”? (Gods I hate that term, sorta self defeating really)
Do we have viable evidence to presume that Saddam sanctioned the terrorist attacks? Did he support them, financially or with training or shelter? Has he essentially thumbed his nose at the world by openly giving rest and succor to these criminals? Maybe I have to do some more research, but what I have read/seen so far isn’t giving a very good case for punitive action.
At the same time, we have Indonesia, who more or less openly harbours these people, and in general is totally ineffective against these groups. Granted they have made some arrests, but their overall punishment is yet to be determined. Personally I don’t think much will happen to them. Also, there is North Korea, a nation with a large armed force and nuclear capable. Currently they are rattling their sabres in a more aggressive stance than Iraq is. Yet the troops are committed to the gulf. Gods forbid North Korea makes good on its threats, because the US military will find itself very off balance, and have to redeploy back to that region rapidly.
The UN inspectors do not seem to have found much concrete proof of Iraqs weapons program. Granted I think the UN is about as useful as an ashtray on a motorcycle, but these experts should at least be given a chance to discover IF there is these weapons in production. If they are, with solid proof, sure, go in and smash the factories and installations, destroy their weapons creation capability, and totally crush their armed forces so they are a threat no more.
But invasion? With a view to a possible US protectorate being established? This is extreme. And if it does come about, will that set a new precedent for US foreign policy? What about the casualties that the allied forces will take, if the decision is to completely control Iraq? House to House fighting and CQB always results in heavy casualties and is definitely not good for public opinion
Is it all necessary? Surely there are other nations more deserving of this kind of attention? I know its been stated by some people that this isn’t about terror, but oil. I hope not, if so this is just corporate expansionism, using a nations resources and lives so others can be rich…bah…
To end I would like to state that I am not a conciencous objector. If my country (Australia) decides to join in a military assault on Iraq or wherever, and I am called up, I will do my duty to the best of my ability. But, this war just seems uncalled for to me, and certainly not as yet justified.
