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Attack Iraq
By Justin Byma
Published:
Thursday, September 26, 2002
Justin Byma --- Guest Column
President Bush has made the case for a preemptive strike on Saddam Hussein’s oppressive regime and I believe he has done so very well. He put forth more than a simple raison de guerre. He has called on America’s moral obligation to protect freedom and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.
First, it is the duty of our government to protect its citizens. Sept. 11 taught us that there is no threat too small and no scenario too wild to merit consideration. President Bush told the American people that the war on terror would take many shapes and move to and from many places. Bringing the war to the Iraqi dictator is the next logical step.
Do not be fooled into thinking that Hussein presents no threat to the United States. He has a proven record as an international outlaw and human rights violator. He has used biological and chemical weapons against his own people and he is currently developing weapons of mass destruction. Opinions on how advanced Iraq’s nuclear capabilities are range from moderate to deadly, but time is not ours to waste.
Some say that the war will be too difficult or costly, and they may be correct inasmuch as it will be difficult and costly. It is impossible to assume otherwise in war. But we boast the worlds' most powerful, agile and destructive military force. Even after eight years of neglect, our military is capable of winning battles.
Moreover, who is to say that the Iraqi military will even stand and fight? As we learned in 1991, the Iraqi forces are weak and slipshod.
On the issue of civilian casualties, I must say that it is inevitable; though, we must seek to do as little as possible. Yet know this:Hussein knows we will destroy his war-fighting capabilities. If he places the stuff of war in civilian areas, it will prevent us, for a time, from destroying them. Nonetheless, there will come a time when hitting those targets is inevitable. Innocent people may die, but while those deaths will be on our national conscience, the blood will be on Saddam’s hands. America does not use human shields.
Civilian casualties are a harsh reality of war, but there is no moral equivalence between terrorism and unintended civilian casualties. If it were the case, then why not extend the same punishment to someone who accidentally runs down a jaywalking pedestrian on a rainy night and a serial killer?
More than 800 Americans died at the hands of terrorists before Sept. 11 and America’s response was, at best, muted. Inaction against evil brought about last year’s assault on humanity. Where further inaction leads, I do not wish to know. With the passing of time, the threat grows.
Husein’s regime is a credible threat to the United States and to our values. Our security is in jeopardy, but inaction is inexcusable. Saddam Hussein has used biological and chemical weapons against his own people. With Saddam removed, America will be safer, the world will be safer, and the Iraqi people will be free from the chains of tyranny. Thus, the removal of Saddam Hussein from power is justified.
