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02/13/2003 Entry: "An Iraqi blogger"
Rachel has found a link to this Iraqi blogger which should probably declared compulsory reading under the circumstances. Be warned though - it isn't easy reading.In Rachel's comments, Jeff Riley responds by pointing out that the failure of the last 30 years policy towards Saddam is an argument for changing that policy. I agree. But war is not the only option here. If our concern is the Iraqi people what about a massive and overwhelming act of generosity towards those people. Has such a thing ever been tried? The West has considerable intelligence expertise. What about using that expertise to undermine the regime whilst building up the people's ability to make the change to democracy? And above all else, what about some clear statements of regret from the governments of the west about the tyrants they have supported in the recent past - and a commitment to never again gain political advantage by siding with those who abuse their power? War with Iraq would be more palatable if there were some acknowledgement that those governments which are most keen to go to war also bear some responsibility for the power of the tyrant they now despise.UPDATE: Darren adds some very helpful thoughs to the debate, focussing on the children of Iraq.
Replies:
Richard, I'm reminded of the U.N.'s problems in Somalia and a few other places, where an outpouring of aid was hijacked by warlords who kept the goods at the harm of those for whom the aid was intended, the starving and in needy. Similarly, I think we already tried that in the form of allowing Iraq to sell oil so it could purchase items of humanitarian aid -- only to see Saddam siphon off the funds to build ten gold-encrusted palaces.
You see, if we were just to hard-headed, egotistical governments, then your plan might work. But when you're dealing with evil despots, I'm afraid they take advantage of such outpourings, even if it means starving their own.
Posted by Dean Peters @ 02/14/2003 04:27 AM CST
