I might be undecided on whether I’m for war on Iraq or not, but lots of people in this world already made up their minds and they are either with the United States or against it. I’m trying to voice my opinion and present a different view on the Iraqi case.
As an international student from a Middle Eastern country who follows the news in Arabic, English and French on a daily basis, I felt obligated to give my fellow students another look at this world.
The war on Iraq is a hot topic and source of controversy all over the world, and the American public is bombarded by international opinion for two main reasons: First because peer opinion matters when a country is on the brink of war, second the Americans are still searching for a global connection to build a safer and a free world.
The United States may go to war with or without United Nations approval, but an approval is critical so countries such as Saudi Arabia and others stay in the coalition. Also, a “coalition of the willing” may not be as effective and may have worse repercussions. This is why the United States has to convince France, Russia and China so they do not veto a resolution for war. China did not show any will to veto a resolution so far but France and Russia are considering it.
You may ask why? Aren’t the French and the Russians afraid?
Well! The people there do not feel the danger and understand the threat that the American are experiencing. The media is mostly anti-war and that influences the public opinion. “L’EXPRESS,” a French magazine, explains how Muslim fanatics see France as a friend in its Sept. 27, 2001 edition.
Fear from terrorism is not the only factor. The collapse of an international system like the United Nation and the oil control in Iraq would have far-reaching consequences and importance. Resources are the main reason for waging wars all along history and nothing changes in this one. It might be more important for the Americans to build a more safe, free and democratic world, but not everybody agrees. Other nations already have business and trades with Iraq, and it is beneficial to continue those relations.
Recently Colin Powell made his case to the United Nations. The multimedia presentation convinced the vast majority of the American public. The case was clear and served the objective. On the other side of the Atlantic, the Europeans were convinced too but did not see the evidence to form any grounds for war. They do not see Saddam as imminent and present danger and are convincing themselves that containment can or may work. They are not ready to sacrifice troops or economic stability for principles. Europe always fought for benefits and colonialism; unless they will get revenues they will not see reasons. From the Arabic point of view, the government-sponsored Arabic media distorted the facts and dismissed them as lies by claiming that the photos have been edited by the latest software technology. The fairy tale stories told by Arab media fueled the hatred of the people by misinforming them. As usual the news broadcasted by Arabic media lacks accuracy, precision and affects the population negatively.
Probably the United States will be able to make its case against Iraq. If war happens it is the Iraqis fault for not revolting against their dictator. You always can find a million reasons to wage war on an unstable regime where the people failed to control their military power. I do understand how hard it would be for the Iraqis to topple Saddam. A war should give them the needed incentive to take matters into their own hands. People should seek freedom themselves because it can not be given or imposed by anybody else.
When nations are crippled by traditions and religious fanaticism there is no place for change. If the Arabs are being exploited, they better start their own revolution and not throw their blame and frustration on others.