The individual arguments I intend to outline in themselves, may well not be sufficient reason to wage war against Iraq. However, taken as a whole, the argument is overwhelming:
Number one, Saddam Hussein is an evil, carefree man, who has done more than prove his wicked nature.
In the last fifteen years, not only has he waged war and dropped missiles at four of his neighbours, (including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Kuwait) but has sued chemical weapons against ‘his own; civilians. Furthermore, he has authorised genocide and ultimately created and promoted a climate of fear and terror. Those who’ve fled his country tell horrifying tales of widespread murder, corruption, rape and torture. Saddam maintains his power through the brunt use of force, rather than that of benevolence or good will.
Secondly, the idea of Saddam acquiring nuclear weapons may change the dynamics in the Middle East. Saddam ahs already demonstrated a willingness to use weapons of mass destruction when he sees it will suit his purpose- a nuclear bomb would just be another tool in his arsenal.
I continue, the rebuilding of Iraq, in mine, and many others’ opinions, is more than possible. Despite all the protests in recent times over ‘nation-building’, the fact is, and historical evidence shows, that it works. In fact, Japan, Italy, Germany and many more European countries, owe their current shape to American nation-building. Japan provides the best example. Back in the 1930’s, Japan was a strong military force, feared by many, which invaded its’ neighbours, committed widespread human rights violations, and ruined the lives and livelihoods of many innocent people. Upon the conclusion of World War II, the bad blood between the Japanese civilians and the United States was exponentially greater than any animosity between the people of Iraq and America. Yet still, nation building worked as America successfully proved their superiority and invalidated the claims of their opponents. So, I put it to you, that with the money and resources available, we’re capable of skyrocketing the Iraqi economy far beyond the heights it enjoyed back in ’89. At this point, you may ask, ‘Why should the Iraqi people trust us after last time, during the last Gulf War, where America promised to remove Saddam and build a new country. Well, I tell you, the circumstances were much different then, with greater risks and dangers. This time, there is no doubt, that we will, can and that it will work.
Finally, I come to the issue of morality. It often gets swept under the table in the pandering, appease-orientated world of foreign policy, particularly among the intellectual elites. Why? Because morality often serves as an impediment to negotiation, earning scoffs and derisions from international diplomats. However, there is a legitimate issue of morality in this current conflict. I emphasise, Saddam is an evil butcher who has terrorised his people for far too long, and unfortunately, these people are simply incapable of defending themselves, without our assistance. We have it within out power to provide the people of Iraq with freedom, liberty and protection from a brutal government that orders torture, murder and rape against opponents. We can give these people a better tomorrow, more than they ever hoped possible.
In conclusion, I say to you that instead of thinking of the deaths and harm that may arise as a result of the war every time it is mentioned, think and look on the positive side; Not only will the evil dictator, Saddam, be removed from his wrongful position, but people can live an easier life without the fear of death just around the corner.
Thank you for listening”
Nathan Derry
