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War on Iraq 2003

What about the truth?

WASHINGTON, D. C. (5/1/03) -  The President of the United States - George W. Bush - has left no doubt that he is loose with the facts. In his, not a declaration of victory in Iraq speech on the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, he kicked off his 2004 Presidential campaign in the same way he conducted the charge to war, with a lie. As part of a continuing effort to convince the world the there was justification for the war on Iraq, Bush specifically stated, "We've removed an ally of al Qaeda."

When to Declare Victory?

Undeterred by the Appearance of Impropriety.

There is no question that "freeing" the Iraqi people is a noble cause -- if they are truly being freed. But, victory for America and democracy cannot be declared if we besmirch the ideas for which America stands and are not able to convince the world that we went to war on Iraq for valid reasons. World stability requires a world of laws and rules by which we are guided. If we expect to ever obtain world peace, one nation can never determine the rules for all. There must be multi-national consensus.

This issue of declaring victory is afloat despite the fact that Baghdad is far from running - much less running freely. Next door, the war in Afghanistan is building to a greater pitch, the Taliban seem to be regaining a hold, and Kabul may only be a gesture for a democracy since after eighteen months of US influence there is no election in sight. The brief jubilance that appeared as certain Iraqis, so to speak, and literally, drug the head of Saddam through the streets, has been replaced by questions about what Bush meant by freedom. Iraqi civilians scream at US soldiers and demonstrate about their new found gift from God, democracy. As more deaths result to Iraqi civilians from the explosion today of  Iraqi and US weapons stored in  Baghdad and protests about US presence, many Iraqis question whether the price of their freedom is too costly. The birth pains of democracy, retort the Bush administration.

Something certainly appears fishy when all the contracts to rebuild Iraq go to US companies. Contracts for reconstruction of Afghanistan by USAID (no UK here) go only to US companies, as the Bush administration is undeterred by the appearance of impropriety and claims that the war was about oil, world dominance, and domestic politics. There is an appearance that we are doing something wrong when intentional lies or incompetence pave the path leading to the war and all contracts go to the US.

WASHINGTON, D. C. (4/21) - George W. Bush leads, arguably, the most powerful and influential nation in human history. The dawn of a new millennium found its vast power and influence widely understood to be both benign and constructive, and drawing no little power from just that. America could see itself fulfilling its destiny as, in Lincoln’s phrase, “the last best hope of Earth.” The world, although not blindly accepting America at that ultimate valuation, was inclining towards believing that it just might be so - a real Hope. No other nation had proved able to resist the imperial temptations of such power, yet we genuinely appeared to be a people animated by an understanding that we had far better and more rewarding things to do with our lives than lording it over others, let alone engaging in war to do so. Full Article

What Kind of Example Does US Provide?

Bush Leadership Not American.

WASHINGTON, D. C. (4/17) - If you do not place a high value on truth, then you should not read this article. The bandwagon is now full of Bush back-patters gloating about their high moral ground - how right they were about the war on Iraq and Bush's leadership. As an American, I personally find it all disgusting and appalling.  The  "kudos to us" hubris spreading across America is a slap in the face to truth and just causes. The course of deception that lead to the war on Iraq has made the world distrust America. American global leadership has, and will continue to suffer. We may now be feared as the lone world power led by neo-conservative hawks, a world power void of respect. Full Article

Will US Appointees Be Accepted in Iraq?

Controversy in the Making

WASHINGTON, D. C. (4/15) - Iraqi policemen and US marines patrol Baghdad as attempts to restore order after days of chaos and looting. In the wake a war which may have destroyed more than the Saddam regime and the symbols of its power, thousands of years of history may have been erased forever. During  the days of chaos, much of the Iraqi and world heritage, including the Museum of Baghdad which contained 170,000 historic items and the National Library Baghdad which was a pride of many Iraqis, was destroyed. Now Iraqi must start a new history under the supervision of the US which has resisted multi-national influence on the key elements of a new Iraq - oil, finance, and intelligence. Against this background, the US has organized a by invitation only conference to discuss the future of Iraqi with various leaders and groups which includes Iraqis and Iraqi exiles. This, may be more for show than substance as it appears much of who will rule has already been determined by the Bush administration. Full Article.

What's Next - Syria?

The World is Concerned

WASHINGTON, D. C. (4/10) - Yesterday there was great jubilation about the "freeing" of Iraq. At the same time, fierce fighting went on just blocks away at Baghdad University. Amidst this conflict of war and peace, Iraqis danced in the streets and hit their shoes against symbols of Saddam while widespread looting occurred as US troops stood and watched the Iraqi people take back a little bit of what they felt Saddam had taken from them. Full Article.

The Other Side of Afghanistan

War Polarizes Sides in Proxy Battle

WASHINGTON, D. C. (4/1) -While some boasted of a quick US victory before the war started, others warned of the potential to incite Mideast turmoil, if not world war. The latter appears to be more likely at this point. Now, after our course is indelibly set by the invasion of Iraq, warnings about a lengthy war resound with a repeated message that unconditional surrender is the only way to stop the war. This may mean fighting many other nations in one way or another for a long time. Full Article

The Brink of the Future

A Harbinger of Glory or Doom

WASHINGTON, D. C. (3/22) - The world forever changed the day the US invaded Iraq in a way that only the future can tell. As the might of the world exerted itself with a "shock and awe" never before seen, the world has gotten a clear message that an indelible course of history has been set - the new American century. Although the superiority of US military might is under control, the consequences are not. An uncertain destiny lies before us as a scene of blood and iron is broadcast around the world. The bombing of Baghdad may have created Dente's Hell as Baghdad burns and mushroom clouds bellow above the city in the most massive air strikes ever. Full Article

Might and Morality

A Strategy for World Dominance 

WASHINGTON, D. C. (3/17) - The "moment of truth" has arrived and it is built upon shaky ground, questionable evidence, and the specter of a non-existent imminent Iraqi threat. Although Iraq does not pose a clearly "imminent" threat to the US or its allies (and no such level of threat has even been alleged), Bush has decided to depart from a long standing US policy against preemptive attacks upon other nations. Bush will now embark upon a series of wars - starting with Iraq - that will, without doubt, have immense humanitarian and economic consequences upon the world and will create irreparable global divisions along geopolitical, religious, and economic fault lines. Full Article

Too Early to Tell

A Mar to the Cause of Freedom

WASHINGTON, D. C. (4/7) - Nineteen days into the war on Iraq, the US military has proceeded to the heart of Baghdad with amazing speed and might. We are now at the turning point. Our actions will determine whether the world shall judge us as the true guardians of freedom or as opportunists in a unilateral struggle for world dominance. If the noble goals of freedom are to have their proper place, we must be an example which instills trust and respect, rather than a source of fear to motivate. Full Article

As Long as it Takes

Victory at Any Cost for a War that was Not Necessary

WASHINGTON, D. C. (3/27) - Today President George Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair conducted the first summit since the war on Iraq started. The two made clear that this war is just starting. In order to comfort those concerned about a lengthy war, Bush gave a definite time for the wars end. According to Bush, the war will proceed "as long as it takes." A couple of days ago Bush said, "this is just the beginning."

The US appears to be increasing the magnitude of the weapons used by dropping a 4,700 lb. bomb on  Baghdad. Air strikes are intense with 1,500 sorties over a 24 hour period. As "shock and awe" has yet to buckle the Iraqi resistance to the US invasion, it is reported that US ground troops will be doubled over the next 30 days. Bush will be taking Baghdad a street at a time, where the effectiveness of massive military force is reduced, unless the widely touted revolt of the Iraqi people occurs soon, we could be in a for a fight.

The War has Started!

US Attack initially Measured and Surgical

WASHINGTON, D. C. (3/20) - Last night, shortly after the Bush 48 hour deadline for exile of Saddam Hussein ended, the US started the war on Iraq calling it "Operation Iraq Freedom."  The first round of the Iraq war started with an ad hoc attempt to target Iraqi leadership with a surgical strike upon what was presented as a target of opportunity. That target was Saddam Hussein and other top Iraqi leadership. More

Powell Makes Strong Case to UN that Iraq Is Hiding WMD - Issue of War Still Looms 

Many Questions Presented - Evidence Not Convincing

WASHINGTON, D.C. (2/5) Today Secretary of State Colin Powell calmly and forcibly presented the case that Iraq is hiding weapons and pursuing a "policy of evasion and deception" with a committee to spy on inspectors.  Powell argued that the evidence established a "material breach" of United Nation's Resolution 1441 and emphasized that the UN must not "shrink" from it's obligation to enforce it's resolutions in order not to become irrelevant like the League of Nations. Falling short of calling for war now, Powell made clear that the "US will not take the risk" that Saddam will use the weapons he has against the US. Is the case enough for war?  Full Text of Powell Presentation to UN

     • Wait Until Wednesday! Powell Proof to UN
     • Kennedy and Byrd Renew Senate Debate

Bush State of the Union Speech - No New Evidence to Support the Reason for War Now

WASHINGTON, D.C. (1/29) - (Contains Full text of speech.) The much anticipated 2003 Bush State of the Union speech - given January 28, 2003  - was among one of the longest in US history - lasting about one hour. Noting we are in a "time of consequence," and that "decisive days lie ahead," Bush covered a broad list of topics including  a $674 billion tax cut, elimination of the double tax on dividends, MediCare reform, the US drug problem, hydro-electric cars, the HIV problem in Africa,  and Bush presented his case for the war on Iraq - at least some of it. See Full Article and Full Text of Speech

      • Evidence Saddam Poises No "Imminent Threat"
     • A "Have To" War Which Does Not Have to be Done
     • Show Proof to the World and Secure America First

Is War Policy Influenced by the Weapons Industry?

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Why is nothing said about the strong connection of the Bush administration with the weapons industry? Bush has appointed to his administration more executives and stockholders from the weapons industry  than from any other industry -- 32 according to studies. Is the media afraid to consider the "weapons" influence on the war and the potential policy impact that the "weapons industry" components of the Bush administration may be having? The weapons industry is the biggest business in the world -- 800 Billion a year. More               

      • Post 9/11 Sales of Arms  - Dangerous Trend

Bush Losing Popularity as US Becomes More Informed

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The "secret" reasons for the Bush military war against Iraq - he knows more than he is telling - is catching up with Bush and his nest of hawks.  After flying high, their main weapon  - accusing all who dare to disagree with Bush of being "unpatriotic," "anti-American," or even "liberal," is loosing its chilling sting. Full Article

     • New Campaign Against War In Iraq - TV Ad From 1960's

North Korea - Who's Provoking Who?

WASHINGTON, D.C. -  Bush starts 2003 with a personal  attack on Korean President Li, stating he has no heart for a leader who does not feed his people and calls him a "pygmy." Bush launched a series of hard blows directly at North Korea -- naming North Korea as part of the "axis of evil" over a year ago.  More

      • Jimmy Carter on Bush and North Korea

Most Unconvinced on Iraq War

LOS ANGELES - According to a Los Angeles Times poll, two-thirds believe Bush has failed to make the case an attack would be justified. Full Article

       • Bush Does Not Really Have "Solid" Proof
       • "Solid Evidence" Means No Evidence 
       • The Case "Against" the Iraq War
       • The Case "For" the Iraq War
     
Evidence to Backup Iraq Claims Lacking

WASHINGTON (AP- 12/23) -  Today's claims about Iraq could become tomorrow's call to arms, but not all of the Bush administration's statements have been supported by evidence. Some the claims that haven't been backed up are central to the question of whether Americans should go to war. The prime assertion that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction may have the weight of probability behind it, but no proof of it has been made public. Behind that is a cast of supporting allegations, some of them veering off into murky territory.  Full Article

Saddam Says -Ready for Holy War Against American Lies

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Saddam Hussein said Tuesday that Iraqis are ready to fight a holy war against the United States, and he accused Washington of using lies and military might in a bid to rule the world. In a vitriolic address read to Iraqis by a television announcer, Saddam said the world is entering a new year "under unique circumstances ... which have been manufactured by the forces of evil and darkness in order to create a situation of instability, chaos and tension."  Full Article

        • US Asks NATO for Help in Possible War with Iraq

The Death of Due Process

WASHINGTON, D.C. -  The Bush administration may be well on it's way to dealing "due process" its death knell. It has certainly used the war on terrorism to strip away rights that are the essence of what made America what it was. There are concerns by many that "big brother" is making its move and that those who are not American citizens -- who may oppose US policy or have geographically suspect origins -- are loosing rights.

Now the US has devolved -- to what some claim to be a necessary evil -- and others call disregard for, if not destruction of, the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments to the US Constitution. Some argue that lack of freedom is the price of freedom. Disregard for evidence, proof, the presumption of innocence, and the right to defend one's self are easily abolished in the face of fear of terrorism. It appears now that 200 years of sacrifice in the name of freedom and rights of due process now have little or no meaning. Full Article