Saddam Hussein Poises No Imminent Threat  - War on Iraq is Unreasonable

By D. LINDLEY YOUNG
THE MODERN TRIBUNE
January 25, 2003

WASHINGTON, D.C. (1/25) -The war on Iraq is not reasonable since there is absolutely no evidence of an “imminent” threat to the US from Iraq or any evidence that Saddam will now use WMD. Although Bush asserts that Saddam poses a "serious threat" to America, the "evidence" is to the contrary. Few doubt that Saddam has WMD, but, many question his willingness to use them against the US or anyone else and for good reason - the evidence that he will not is "compelling." Although Bush is attempting to create his own smokescreen for war, willingness to use WMD, is a central question to a war on Iraq.

§        it has been 12 years (Kuwait - 1991) since Iraq was a military aggressor against any nation state

§         during the Gulf War, when General Colin Powell warned Iraq that there would be severe consequences if Iraq used WMD, (although he was being overwhelmingly defeated) Saddam did not use WMD

§         during 1994 Iraq had a troop buildup on the Kuwait border -  when warned of potential consequences by the US Saddam withdrew his troops  and did not use WMD

§       although the US and Britain  been maintaining no fly zones over North and South Iraq for 12 years, Saddam has not used WMD

§       although the UN issued and has to some degree still enforces substantial economic sanctions on Iraq for 12 years, Saddam has not used WMD

§         although Baghdad was bombed for 4 days in 1998 (killing numerous innocent civilian), Saddam did not use WMD

§         although President Clinton called for regime change in Iraq in 1998, Saddam did not use WMD

§         during 7 years of UN inspections (1991 to 1998), Saddam did not use WMD

§         although allegedly providing financial support for years to families of suicide bombers supporting Palestine, Saddam has not used WMD

§         one year ago when Bush named Iraq as part of the “axis of evil,” Saddam did not use WMD

§        although UN Security Resolution 1441 required renewal of inspections in Iraq, Saddam did not use WMD

§        although UN inspectors are now going anywhere in Iraq they want (even the palaces and private homes), Saddam has not used WMD

§       although the US and Britain  have been increasing the attacks upon Iraqi targets,  Saddam has not used WMD

§         although the military invasion of Iraq has been a widely publicized as “inevitable” the global press for almost a year, Saddam has not used WMD

§         Finally although his honor and courage have been repeatedly challenged by the events set forth about,  Saddam has not used WMD

Conjecture and speculation as to what Saddam may do at some time in the future should not be enough sacrifice the lives of hundreds of thousands of "people," create a negative global economic impact (if not recession), cause the alienation of allies and potential allies in the war on terrorism, cause another humanitarian crisis, and create additional hatred towards America across the world.

Again, it has been 12 years since Iraq was an aggressor against any nation state, Saddam heeded the warnings of Colin Powell, and did not used WMD although Baghdad was bombed for 4 days in 1998 killing many innocent Iraqi civilians. Saddam may be a ruthless dictator, but, Saddam does not appear to want to die or loose his power. There is no evidence which would support a conclusion that Saddam has now suddenly become suicidal. Suicidal people do not normally build monuments to themselves.

The US should not make an alleged maniac a martyr. The price to send Saddam to his glory is too high in view of the "compelling" evidence that he does not "now" present an immediate threat of using WMD against the US or anyone. Containment will work. It worked until the USSR fell. Great ideas eventually prevail. Peace through patience and the power of ideas is a better alternative than military war. Protect America with strength and ideas. "There is always a better way to do everything. It's up to you to find it." -- Thomas Edison

Since there is “compelling” evidence that Saddam will now use WMD, the illusive "smoking gun," even if found, should not be the trigger for an all-out attack upon Iraq. In the final analysis, after all the reasons for the Bush war are considered, it may just get down to that Bush has to go to war to save face.  He has painted US into a corner with his threats and inflammatory rhetoric and we are supposed to go to war so he can continue to play the strong leader. That is just plain not good enough.

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This is the first in a series of articles that shall be directed - an issue at a time - to the Bush arguments for war on Iraq.  If you can add to the argument or present the opposing side write editor@themoderntribune.com