Letter: Dealing with Iraq
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Supporters of the air strikes on Iraq who demand that opponents spell out their "alternative" to bombing have missed the point of the whole debate.
First, it is not for the governments of the United States and Britain to decide the best way to "deal with" Saddam Hussein. These governments have not been elected global policemen by the peoples of the world. Their mandate for military action in the Middle East rests solely on imperial presumption.
Second, Iraq is not the only country with the capability of manufacturing weapons of mass destruction, nor is it the only country ruled by a repressive dictatorship, nor is it the only country currently in violation of UN resolutions. The very people who now tell us there is no alternative to bombing are the same ones who throw up their hands in impotence when confronted with violations of UN resolutions by Israel in regard to the Palestinians, by UNITA in Angola, and by Indonesia in East Timor.
Third, there is ample reason to believe that the "problem" which we are told we must deal with is in fact a contrived pretext for military action. Former chief UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter has been quoted as saying, "What Richard Butler did last week with the inspections was a set up. ... This was designed to generate a conflict that would justify a bombing."
MIKE MARQUSEE
London N1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments