War is NOT the answer!!!

[Micha]

This is an article I found that pretty much sums up everything. This article addresses Iraq specifically, but it may as well be speaking about Lebanon today.

War Is Not the Answer

For the past few months, the prospect of war has been looming closer. Bush and his administrators continue to list reasons why military action is necessary. Despite Bush's justifications, millions of dissenters have turned out for peace demonstrations around the world. Before making the final move towards war, the Bush administration must listen to these voices. In the current situation, war will only create problems bigger than those it may solve. Not only does the United States have an obligation not to start a war without the support of the United Nations, but also, continuing diplomacy is in the best interests of America.

Many of the arguments supporting the war against Iraq are faulty. Saddam Hussein is evil and the Iraqi people suffer under his rule. However, a war on Iraq is not the noble cause Bush claims, for several reasons. First, the connections between Iraq and Al-Qeada are very few. Many other countries have done much more to aid terrorists. If we are fighting the war on terrorism, Iraq would be pretty far down the list of countries to combat. Second, a regime change does not mean that Iraq's problems would be fixed. Much of the poverty and devastation there is a result of war. By fighting another war against Iraq, America will only multiply this devastation. Third, a huge percentage of Iraq's population is children. In a full-fledged war, it is impossible to avoid civilian casualties. In Iraq, many of those would be children.

So why would America fight a war in Iraq? The Bush administration claims to have evidence that Iraq has not disarmed according to treaties and may be holding dangerous weapons. Since no proof has been announced, it is hard to know how significant the evidence may be. However, many point to other reasons the United States may want to fight a war against Iraq. Iraq controls huge oil reserves. With oil prices rising, the long-term economic benefits of controlling those reserves could help the economy. There are many other such ways a war with Iraq could be to the United States' economic and politic gain. But it is worth the lives of children?

The United States has an obligation not to fight a war without the backing of the United Nations. Just as the treaties Iraq may be violating are necessary to international peace, so are the other agreements and rules of the United Nations. The U.N. was created after World War II to prevent another such catastrophe from ever occurring. It was invented to ensure that each nation had a voice in the international community, and that a certain balance of power would prevent any one country from tyrannizing the world. The United States has an obligation to respect and uphold these values for the sake of world peace. The treaty Iraq may be violating affects the entire world, not just America, and the entire world should have a say in how to respond.

Also, listening to the U.N. is in the best interests of the United States. Especially since Americans are facing new terrorist threats from around the world, the United States needs the support of its allies. By refusing to listen to countries like France, Russia and Germany, the Bush administration is alienating many powerful friends and creating a growing ill-will towards the United Nations. By going to war, America risks loosing many valuable friends and making many dangerous enemies.

Lastly, a war with Iraq will increase the threat of terrorism against the United States. Not long ago, American troops stormed Afghanistan, ousting the regime that supported Al-Qaeda. By starting another war in the Middle East, America risks appearing to other countries as an enemy of Islam and the Arab world. Though this may not be the case, such an appearance would be enough to stir up more hatred and deepen the schism between the Islamic world and the United States. The survivors of the potential war, as well as the survivors of the U.S.-backed sanctions, will have watched their families, friends, and neighbors die at the hands of America. Even if the United States killed every known terrorist in the world, if innocent people suffer in the process the U.S. would only sow more seeds of hatred. From hatred and desperation springs the kind of violent energy behind terrorism. In essence, a war will only create more terrorists and fuel the existing anti-American sentiments if America is not extremely careful in its actions. A war, quite possibly for our own economic gain, without widespread international support, would hardly qualify as a careful or strategic move on the part of the United States.

The United States must not proceed with the war against Iraq (OR LEBANON). For the sake of the world and for the American people, the U.S. must act through the United Nations, with care, thought, and respect for the other nations of the world. America must not create new enemies nor stir up more hatred against its people. Instead, the United States must lead the world in diplomacy and peaceful resolution. It must lead by example, showing ultimate respect for international agreements. War is not the answer.

[Micha]

And I would also like to add that I am not making anyone agree with me. At the very least listen to and weigh all sides of the story carefully and then try to find the truth in the middle. Dont listen to everything your politician, parents, Bill Oreilly, friends, etc say. Being a good citizen isnt about backing and trusting America 100%, its about questioning and doing the right thing.

[Bekim...]

true but again when people are blowing up buses, cafe's and hijacking planes sometimes there is no other answer

[Defekted]

Awesome Micha

[TrippinFace101]

Where u get this info from Greenpeace

[ShaE]

I think all that Iraq info is yesterday's news...it's what everyone w/ a brain thought 3 years ago....

I agree completely about the importance of allies and the UN, but I don't necessarily agree that we should never act w/o their complete support. I don't presume to know what may/may not happen down the road and remember, the UN is only made up of nations, they have interests also. There may come a time where we need to deviate from that.

In this case, I don't think joining any war is the answer, but I don't think that's always true. Some wars are necessary.

[ShaE]

Where u get this info from Greenpeace

That'd probably be more reliable than the bullshit intel our cia gathered pre- war.

[Micha]

Awesome Micha

[Micha]

.

In this case, I don't think joining any war is the answer, but I don't think that's always true. Some wars are necessary.

I dunno i still dont think war is neccessary. But once again, here is where i am torn....

Is it TOO LATE for any of the suggestions that have been thrown around on here?? That is really the question. (And I dont know the answer)

[Bandit]

Micha ....чтоб у тебя на лбу ХУЙ вырос ......

[ShaE]

I dunno i still dont think war is neccessary.

Necessary for what? Are you trying to say you don't think war is JUSTIFIED , EVER? Or are you saying you don't think war is necessary in this case to settle these issues?

Whether something is "necessary" or not is entirely dependent on WHAT you're trying to accomplish in the first place.

[Leon]

Necessary for what? Are you trying to say you don't think war is JUSTIFIED , EVER? Or are you saying you don't think war is necessary in this case to settle these issues?

That's what I would like to know, since I believe that peaceniks like Mishinka, during a need for war and defense, do more harm than good--especially to themselves.

If not for war, Mishinka would be speaking German and heiling Hitler or the "Rising Sun".

[Micha]

If not for war, Mishinka would be speaking German and heiling Hitler or the "Rising Sun".

[Penelicious]

Unfortunately, there have been, are and will always be WARS.

It's easy to chant at a peace rally or spew your peaceful rants over a message board but life cannot be rosey all of the time, especially in a world full of different people, languages, cultures and RELIGION.

[Micha]

Necessary for what? Are you trying to say you don't think war is JUSTIFIED , EVER? Or are you saying you don't think war is necessary in this case to settle these issues?

Whether something is "necessary" or not is entirely dependent on WHAT you're trying to accomplish in the first place.

Ok so what are we trying to accomplish? If its to wipe out terrorists than hell yeah i dont think this was is necessary. Why? Because all this fighting and bombing is NOT going to wipe the terrorists off the map. The only thing i see happening is the build up of more and more hate (on both sides), the loss of innocent life (on both sides), the loss of beautiful land (on both sides), the loss of wild life (on both sides), the loss of beaches (on both sides), and there is so much more being lost.

When is enough enough?

Maybe my views are radical because I honestly can look beyond all this and still see a chance for peace to happen. Maybe you laugh at my views. But I can assure you this..... these same terrorists (the ones who everyone can agree are the ones to hate) are laughing in everyone's faces right now! How come I can see this so clearly, but no one else can? WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER!!!!!!!!!

And Leon, I dont know who Mashika is, but if you were referring to me, please do not ever compare me to Hitler. Do you honestly think Hitler would be arguing for peace in the current situation?

[Micha]

Unfortunately, there have been, are and will always be WARS.

It's easy to chant at a peace rally or spew your peaceful rants over a message board but life cannot be rosey all of the time, especially in a world full of different people, languages, cultures and RELIGION.

I agree that there always have been wars. I also somewhat agree that there always will be wars. But Penny, it DOESN'T have to be that way.

And trust me, it isnt easy to "spew peaceful rants over a message board." But it makes me feel a hell of a lot better that I choose peace over war anyday.

[Leon]

And trust me, it isnt easy to "spew peaceful rants over a message board." But it makes me feel a hell of a lot better that I choose peace over war anyday.

There you have it, the crux of the motivation for your stance. It's not hat it makes logical sense, it just "makes you feel better".

Your feel good notion has no practical application. I have yet to see an alternative means of defense for Israel. I'd love to hear it though.

And Penny, you still look gorgeous even if it's just on the forum.

[darius]

Unfortunately, there have been, are and will always be WARS.

It's easy to chant at a peace rally or spew your peaceful rants over a message board but life cannot be rosey all of the time, especially in a world full of different people, languages, cultures and RELIGION.

its also dangerously easy (and foolish) to be accepting of war when its not being fought on your home turf.

[Penelicious]

There you have it, the crux of the motivation for your stance. It's not hat it makes logical sense, it just "makes you feel better".

Your feel good notion has no practical application. I have yet to see an alternative means of defense for Israel. I'd love to hear it though.

And Penny, you still look gorgeous even if it's just on the forum.

Thanks Leon!!!!! So nice to see you around these parts again!!

[Penelicious]

its also dangerously easy (and foolish) to be accepting of war when its not being fought on your home turf.

Actually, I saw the acts of 9/11 as acts of war..and I was there to witness the entire thing.....and I still stand behind what I say.

Is war wrong? Scary? unfair? ABSOLUTELY..but such is life, is it not? I DO NOT support all acts of war nor do I think it is an answer for everything..but unfortunately, there are certain things that are out of my control.

And p.s.--it is also JUST as easy to be against all acts of war and to be a peace pusher when war is also not fought on your home turf--chew on that.