In a previous post to this blog, I poked some mild fun at the singer Bono, gently chiding him for his attempts to coerce the American federal government to raise taxes and donate the money for aid to Africa's poorest regions. I pointed out in that rant that while I applauded his efforts to alleviate suffering, I also believed (and still do) that he could accomplish much more by appealing directly to the American people, the most generous in the world.
Part of the reason for my sarcastic tone in the previous rant, is I've seen celebrities turn their star power to charitable works for decades, with little or no lasting effects. And they soon lose interests once the cameras are turned off. Bob Geldof and Live Aid back in 1985 leap to mind, as does Sean Penn taking a personal photographer with him to New Orleans to document his goodness for posterity. Count me firmly in the 'teach the poor to fish so they may eat for life' camp. Buying tons of food and turning it over to dictators to use as a political tool, to me, is nothing but a waste of time, resources and hope.
This year, Time magazine named Bono one of three "Persons of the Year" (more on that in just a bit). Reluctantly I read the article, assuming it would be nothing more than a fluff piece dedicated to what a magnificent, bleeding heart he has. And while it was, there was also more. Bono and his lobbying group DATA have done much more than let their liberal hearts bleed before press conferences. They are getting results.
"'You know what my least favorite John Lennon song is?' he says. 'Imagine'. At the root of it is some rigorous thinking about the way things could be, but people have stolen the idea and made it an anthem for wishful thinking. I'm against wishful thinking. I hate it.'"
Besides arm-twisting politicians and philanthropic institutions, they also are searching for real solutions to real problems, and demanding real results. They are involved with medical and health researchers, they work with economic development experts, they are actually accomplishing more than polishing their own liberal credentials. For that, I not only apologize for my previous post making light of his work, I also offer a hardy congratulations, and wish him the best in his efforts.
Time also named two other 'Persons of the Year.' Bill and Melinda Gates. I've had a rough appraisal in the past of Bill Gates. I entered the computer industry at about the same time he was taking it apart, rearranging it to suit his own wallet. I saw the devastation, the good solid computer companies go under, one by one, at his call. On top of that, I've suffered greatly, as most computer users have, under the curse of Microsoft's Windows operating system. Does anyone remember Windows 95? How about Windows 98? I still shudder when I think of those products.
But if Time magazine is to be believed (and that's a big 'if' considering it's part of the mainstream media) Bill and Melinda Gates deserve a hardy congratulations for the efforts to help the poorest of the poor in this world. When I reached the line about how donations from their foundation for vaccinations have saved more than 700,000 lives, I was sold. That's concrete action. Those are results.
Interviews with employees of his foundation speak of it more as a business than a charitable foundation. They routinely visit the very poor, to learn first hand of the situation. They ask tough questions and expect honest answers. Money from their foundation is not given away, it's invested, and if the return on investment isn't sufficient, they pull the plug. One person interviewed said that the foundation has terminated several grants because of poor performance and the recipients were stunned. They'd never been required to actually produce in the past. You have to love that!
Bill and Melinda Gates, through their foundation, have been working extensively with Bono and his people to fund, invest, develop and produce real results that benefit the poor around the world. If this business model for charitable foundations works out, I may have to rethink my charitable donations.
To all three, Bono, Bill and Melinda Gates, I applaud. Humanity is better for their work. Thank you!
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Merry Christmas
Editor's note: I know it seems like I am trying to share the spotlight by prefacing every article with some remarks of my own, but this time there is a purpose. I am going on vacation and so wanted to post this Christmas entry by the Author today in case I do not have time later on. Enjoy!
The Gospel According to Luke 2:1-7
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyre'ni-us was governor of Syria.). And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (because he was of the house and lineage of David,) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."
Luke 2:8-20
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
"Fear not..."
In the older King James Version (KJV) the line reads "Be not afraid...." Its one of my favorite lines from the entire Bible. Imagine being a simple shepherd boy, out in the fields, tending your flock, when "whammo" an angel appears. A real, honest to goodness angel. Wings, harp, flying around, voice sweeter than any chorus. My first instinct would probably be to run like hell while trying not to soil myself. I think that's what I like about it, because I would be terrified. The angel does not command them, does not order them, casts no spell on them, but instead simply says "Be not afraid." There is much strength in those words.
There is indeed much to fear in today's world. Violence, war, bombings, protests, death and disease. Even though I'm now a father, and its my job to ensure my wife and child are not afraid, there is much that scares me. Some times the sheer enormity of the world's problems, let alone my own, can be overwhelming. "Be not afraid." Reassuring words. There's even a hymn we used to sing at a church I once attended called "Be not afraid." Its a beautiful song. I wish my new church would put it in the rotation. Oh well. I can still remember the tune and, though I don't remember 95% of the words, it still brings me a smile.
The story of a man called Jesus, who was born some 2,001 years ago, is fascinating read. The troubled times, the Roman occupation, the Pharisees, colluding with the Romans to oppress the Jewish people. Death, disease, war everywhere. Into that world was born a simple child. He's been called King of Peace, the Son of God, God Himself. The affects of his teaching, his work, his ministry can not be denied. He may be the most influential person in the history of humanity. I don't care what your religion is, if any, the waves created by that simple carpenter resonate to this day. But at that moment in time, he was just a simple newborn child. I've held a newborn in my arms, my own child. Its an experience every person should have. There's no feeling quite like it in the world. So small, so helpless, totally dependent upon you for every thing. Quite the responsibility. "Be not afraid."
I love the fact that he was born in a manger. His crib was no doubt, a quickly cleaned up feed trough. Hardly the trappings you'd expect for the King of Heaven. Talk about humble. In those days, as they are still today, the rulers of the world are rich beyond belief. They have everything they could possibly want. And God chooses to make his entrance in the most humble of ways. I think that's the point. God is not the God of the rich alone, He is also the God of the poor and down trodden. There is no God but God.
Lord knows he caused a big stir. Preaching to the poor, the disaffected, outcasts of society. He ate dinner with tax collectors, considered the lowest of the low in those days [Editor's note: Still considered so, by some.]. He saved a prostitute from being stoned to death by saying "Let he is without sin cast the first stone." For a carpenter, he certainly had a way with words. There are more words of wisdom in his parables than I could digest in a life time. Using the parable of the Good Samaritan, he asked his disciples "Who was that man's neighbor?" Indeed, who is my neighbor?
He finally crossed the line, made too many waves, and found himself nailed to a cross - the Roman version of today's public service announcement - "Commit this act, and this is what you get." Its been said that before the Romans conquered Judea, the land was filled with trees, but most of them were cut down to build crosses. I guess the Romans had a lot of public service announcements to make.
The agony of his last days on earth were terrible. He came to earth to save mankind, to teach redemption, to show us there is a better way, and for all his efforts, he was beaten, whipped, and crucified. And when he didn't die fast enough, he was stabbed with a spear. I'm sure there was plenty of fear in Jesus. After all, he cried from the cross "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" "Be not afraid."
But for the very first Christmas, there was none of that. There was only a family, with a newborn child, and no bed to lay Him in. I'm sure Joseph had plenty of worries. But for one night, all was calm, all was quiet.
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born
Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. I hope every one has the ability to give all the gifts they want this year, because that's the true spirit of Christmas, to give. As God gave of himself, so that sins may be forgiven, give to others, even if its just a smile, or holding open a door.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
The Gospel According to Luke 2:1-7
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyre'ni-us was governor of Syria.). And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (because he was of the house and lineage of David,) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."
Luke 2:8-20
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
"Fear not..."
In the older King James Version (KJV) the line reads "Be not afraid...." Its one of my favorite lines from the entire Bible. Imagine being a simple shepherd boy, out in the fields, tending your flock, when "whammo" an angel appears. A real, honest to goodness angel. Wings, harp, flying around, voice sweeter than any chorus. My first instinct would probably be to run like hell while trying not to soil myself. I think that's what I like about it, because I would be terrified. The angel does not command them, does not order them, casts no spell on them, but instead simply says "Be not afraid." There is much strength in those words.
There is indeed much to fear in today's world. Violence, war, bombings, protests, death and disease. Even though I'm now a father, and its my job to ensure my wife and child are not afraid, there is much that scares me. Some times the sheer enormity of the world's problems, let alone my own, can be overwhelming. "Be not afraid." Reassuring words. There's even a hymn we used to sing at a church I once attended called "Be not afraid." Its a beautiful song. I wish my new church would put it in the rotation. Oh well. I can still remember the tune and, though I don't remember 95% of the words, it still brings me a smile.
The story of a man called Jesus, who was born some 2,001 years ago, is fascinating read. The troubled times, the Roman occupation, the Pharisees, colluding with the Romans to oppress the Jewish people. Death, disease, war everywhere. Into that world was born a simple child. He's been called King of Peace, the Son of God, God Himself. The affects of his teaching, his work, his ministry can not be denied. He may be the most influential person in the history of humanity. I don't care what your religion is, if any, the waves created by that simple carpenter resonate to this day. But at that moment in time, he was just a simple newborn child. I've held a newborn in my arms, my own child. Its an experience every person should have. There's no feeling quite like it in the world. So small, so helpless, totally dependent upon you for every thing. Quite the responsibility. "Be not afraid."
I love the fact that he was born in a manger. His crib was no doubt, a quickly cleaned up feed trough. Hardly the trappings you'd expect for the King of Heaven. Talk about humble. In those days, as they are still today, the rulers of the world are rich beyond belief. They have everything they could possibly want. And God chooses to make his entrance in the most humble of ways. I think that's the point. God is not the God of the rich alone, He is also the God of the poor and down trodden. There is no God but God.
Lord knows he caused a big stir. Preaching to the poor, the disaffected, outcasts of society. He ate dinner with tax collectors, considered the lowest of the low in those days [Editor's note: Still considered so, by some.]. He saved a prostitute from being stoned to death by saying "Let he is without sin cast the first stone." For a carpenter, he certainly had a way with words. There are more words of wisdom in his parables than I could digest in a life time. Using the parable of the Good Samaritan, he asked his disciples "Who was that man's neighbor?" Indeed, who is my neighbor?
He finally crossed the line, made too many waves, and found himself nailed to a cross - the Roman version of today's public service announcement - "Commit this act, and this is what you get." Its been said that before the Romans conquered Judea, the land was filled with trees, but most of them were cut down to build crosses. I guess the Romans had a lot of public service announcements to make.
The agony of his last days on earth were terrible. He came to earth to save mankind, to teach redemption, to show us there is a better way, and for all his efforts, he was beaten, whipped, and crucified. And when he didn't die fast enough, he was stabbed with a spear. I'm sure there was plenty of fear in Jesus. After all, he cried from the cross "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" "Be not afraid."
But for the very first Christmas, there was none of that. There was only a family, with a newborn child, and no bed to lay Him in. I'm sure Joseph had plenty of worries. But for one night, all was calm, all was quiet.
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born
Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. I hope every one has the ability to give all the gifts they want this year, because that's the true spirit of Christmas, to give. As God gave of himself, so that sins may be forgiven, give to others, even if its just a smile, or holding open a door.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Waking up in a new world: Conclusion!!!
Editor's note: This is it, the capstone to the author's history lesson and justification in his mind for the US invasion and occupation of Iraq. I will not distract readers with many links. Enjoy!
P.S. Check this article for the initial laying of the foundation. And forgive my lame building analogies.
A couple of weeks ago, my editor and myself were having a heated debate on what lead America to its showdown with Saddam Hussein. He suggested that I take up the issue for a blog entry. I originally assumed it would be at most, perhaps, three parts. As I began writing, it quickly became apparent three essays would not be sufficient for all the aspects I thought important in order to fully present my point of view. I then estimated eight parts. Here today is the conclusion, part ten.
What I've attempted to do is to put down the facts as best I remember them. From the first Gulf War in 1991 to the invasion in 2003, to the continued occupation. Little did I realize my meanderings would take me back as far as 570 AD. Since 9/11, I have learned much about Islam, the Middle East and America's uneasy relationship with the region. I've included much of it here.
What I've also tried to accomplish is to present as many facts as possible. Facts that were once common knowledge and today are in question. I firmly believe that academically honest people, of differing political persuasions, can have an honest debate in the arena of free ideas on the history and the future of America and Iraq. But that debate can only take place when the facts are clearly presented. There is no academic honesty in a debate if one side insists facts are fiction.
I hope readers have felt their time well spent reading these essays. And I would like to thank my editor for both prodding me to write, as well as for his efforts at editing and posting. I must admit, some of his links (I email the editor flat text, he formats, links, and adds smart ass remarks) have irked me more than I care to admit. But that is what honest debate is all about. Facts, whether you like them or not, are facts. And we should never forget that.
The Second Iraq War
In the previous nine essays, I've covered a myriad of points. Saddam himself, his brutality, his WMDs - and proven willingness to use them. I've also covered some of the history of Islam, as I've learned about it, and Wabahism in particular. I spent a particularly uncomfortable afternoon spilling my thoughts on terrorism and war. But what does all that mean with respect to the American invasion and occupation of Iraq?
What it has to do with the Iraq war, is to point out the complete and utter lack of stability in not only the Middle East, but of the entire Muslim world. The world of Islam is huge. It stretches from Morocco to Malaysia, from Kosovo to Mozambique. Its a vast civilization of people from many differing back grounds, and many different ethnicities. They do have one thing in common, they are Muslim and the rest of the world is not.
Islam has been at war with itself, and western society for over a thousand years. In 1803 the Muslim pirates of Tripoli began seizing the ships of the newly minted United States of America, and selling the sailors into slavery. President Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter demanding they cease and desist, and recognize America's right to the use high seas. The pirates replied that not only was it their right, it was their duty under Islamic law to fight the infidel where ever encountered. Thomas Jefferson responded by creating the US Marines. "From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli."
We have been at war with these people, just as most of the western world has, for all that time. In the year 711 AD, Muslims conquered a large part of Spain. As a matter of fact, that's one of bin Looser's demands, that western society return it to the Muslims. Muslims nearly reached the gates of Vienna in 1683. You can thank Polish King Jan Sobieski for saving Europe back then. For most of the west, it was not even worth noticing. The only people concerned should the ones stupid enough to enter their part of the world, for that was their decision. The Muslims, with their limited resources, and ancient weapons, had no chance of dragging us into anything. That has changed.
For most of history, large scale invasions were not that difficult to notice. Massing of troops and ships. You could see them coming. You had time to prepare, at least to some extent. With the marriage of Islamic fundamentalism, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, there is no notice. There is no prevention, only reaction. It is a war on their terms, fought when they decide, where they decide, and the type of battle is entirely of their choosing. I recently read an article, analyzing the effects of a relatively small nuclear device detonating in down town Manhattan. The results aren't pretty. 1,600,000 Dead and dying Americans, and arguably America's most important city, a radioactive waste land. The study suggests so many wounded, there would be not be enough emergency service members alive to help them. They would lie in the streets by the hundreds of thousands, praying in agony for death to take them. This is no science fiction movie or novel.
When I was a kid, we used to perform air raid drills at school. We'd grab our coats, file into the hall way, lean towards the wall, cover our heads with our arms, and wait out nuclear Armageddon. That was just pure foolishness. I watched the World Trade Centers fall on TV. This is real. Its as real as New York City, Washington DC, Madrid, London, Moscow, Bali, Paris, Baghdad, Amman and thousands of other cities around the world were this war rages in the streets.
Islamic fundamentalism plus weapons of mass destruction, plus the ease of world travel thanks to globalism, equal the very real possibility of the destruction of America. New York City is the financial capitol of the world. Its mind boggling to even try to conceive the effects on the global world economy should it suddenly cease to exist. The world would be thrown into an economic recession from which it might never recover.
But then again, that's the terrorist agenda. They don't want to see a thriving western society. They want to see death and destruction. That way its easier for them to plunge those left alive into slavish nightmare of what they call paradise. They make the rules, we obey or die. And they get to watch, all snug and comfortable in their piety, that they are the hand of God.
What once would have required the largest armed forces in the world, can now be accomplished by a relatively small group of dedicated men. And make no mistake they are dedicated. One would have to be in order to think it an act worthy of God, to kill children gathering to receive candy.
But again, what does that have to do with Saddam, Iraq and America?
As I've noted in previous essays, I believe there are as many reasons for terrorists, as there are terrorists. But I believe the primary reason is lack of hope. Total despair. The inability to even dream of a better life. And one sure way to create that despair is the relentless and never ending oppression of the people of the Muslim world. And that's what the world of Islam is. Crushed under repression, beaten down, driven into the mud and the blood, from which they see no exit. Stir in some religion, promising a better world in the afterlife, arm them with a vial so small it could fit in a pen, and turn them loose on a society which they despise. I hope that scares you, because it scares the hell out of me. It's not fiction. Its fact. That is the reality of today's world.
In 1991 Bush the Coward went into Iraq, for what I now consider dubious reasons. Dubious because of what he claimed he wanted to accomplish, as opposed to the reality of Iraq on the eve of the second Gulf War, are worlds apart. Bush the Coward used the US military to drive Saddam out of Kuwait. But he did not plan, did not foresee, did not worry about the results of his actions. And those results were catastrophic. Bush the Coward and his allies broke Iraq, wrapped it in duct tape, and left it for the pathetic United Nations to worry about.
Consider that for a moment. As if life in Iraq under Saddam, wasn't bad enough, the United States and the UN made it even worse. First the Coward's attempts to encourage the Iraqi's to rebel in 1991, where he promptly fed them to the dogs. Estimates of 300,000 dead Shiites and Kurds. Is it any wonder the US is having such a hard time during the current occupation? Would you trust a nation that suggested you rise up, only to find your entire family and town wiped off the face of the earth? I would find the opportunity for payback very tempting.
The Vatican estimated 50,000 dead Iraqis every year from the UN sanctions alone. Think about that number. Not only did America turn its back on the Iraqi people in their hour of greatest need, now the entire world was set to crush them in the vice of sanctions. Not that Saddam would be all that inconvenienced. He still had his WMDs, his army and his billions. But to the common Iraqi citizen, nothing but despair. Complete and total despair. And at our hands, no less.
Following 9/11, many Americans finally realized we are, in fact, at war with Islamic fundamentalists We realized just how vulnerable we truly are. We realized just how easy it is for them to murder thousands with out even using WMDs, just simple box cutters. We also realized just how truly dangerous Saddam was, with his WMDs. Its not outrageous to believe Saddam would be more than willing to deal with anyone necessary in order to exact his revenge on America, after all the United States humiliated him before the entire world. That was the main cause for the invasion. Americans, in 2002 and early 2003 agreed not to wait for him to link up with bin Looser or any terrorist groups for that matter. The threat needed to be dealt with before the attack occurred.
Many words have been spoken detailing the case for pre-emptive war. The second Iraq war was not for pre-emption, it was a preventive war, waged to prevent an even larger war. Some time in the 1930's, Adolf Hitler decided to break the treaty of Versailles and remilitarize the Rhineland, Germany's industrial heart land. At the time, France had an army 60 miles away that out numbered the Germans some 30 to one. Had France acted in a timely manor, perhaps the entire European theater of World War II might have been avoided. Millions of lives saved, many millions more, left unscarred by the horrors of war. What if? What might have been? What could have been? Who knows.
I believe the second Gulf War is justified because we need to fix what Bush the Coward and America did in 1991. We broke Iraq, and refused to fix it. The world is far too dangerous today to have a nation of 25 million people languishing as Iraq was. And if we do not, now, finish what we started in 1991, then America will be back in Iraq in the future, assuming America is still around.
A nation should never enter into war lightly. People's lives are at stake. But, if a nation decides that war is necessary, then it must be fought to its conclusion. Half efforts are only leaving the nightmare to another generation. And that's what America did in 1991. We left the open wounds to fester and boil. We should never have done that. Today, American soldiers are paying the price for that short sighted endeavor.
I pray to God that we have the courage to see it through, to rebuild what we have destroyed. I fear its the only chance the Muslim world and western society have left. Ignore the problem, and we will all suffer greatly. Do what we must to solve our own misdeeds, and maybe, just maybe, both the Muslim world and America have a chance for a future.
Editor's note: This was a labour of love for the author, and I certainly didn't pay him for this work. If you enjoyed - or hated - the series, please leave a comment.
P.S. Check this article for the initial laying of the foundation. And forgive my lame building analogies.
A couple of weeks ago, my editor and myself were having a heated debate on what lead America to its showdown with Saddam Hussein. He suggested that I take up the issue for a blog entry. I originally assumed it would be at most, perhaps, three parts. As I began writing, it quickly became apparent three essays would not be sufficient for all the aspects I thought important in order to fully present my point of view. I then estimated eight parts. Here today is the conclusion, part ten.
What I've attempted to do is to put down the facts as best I remember them. From the first Gulf War in 1991 to the invasion in 2003, to the continued occupation. Little did I realize my meanderings would take me back as far as 570 AD. Since 9/11, I have learned much about Islam, the Middle East and America's uneasy relationship with the region. I've included much of it here.
What I've also tried to accomplish is to present as many facts as possible. Facts that were once common knowledge and today are in question. I firmly believe that academically honest people, of differing political persuasions, can have an honest debate in the arena of free ideas on the history and the future of America and Iraq. But that debate can only take place when the facts are clearly presented. There is no academic honesty in a debate if one side insists facts are fiction.
I hope readers have felt their time well spent reading these essays. And I would like to thank my editor for both prodding me to write, as well as for his efforts at editing and posting. I must admit, some of his links (I email the editor flat text, he formats, links, and adds smart ass remarks) have irked me more than I care to admit. But that is what honest debate is all about. Facts, whether you like them or not, are facts. And we should never forget that.
The Second Iraq War
In the previous nine essays, I've covered a myriad of points. Saddam himself, his brutality, his WMDs - and proven willingness to use them. I've also covered some of the history of Islam, as I've learned about it, and Wabahism in particular. I spent a particularly uncomfortable afternoon spilling my thoughts on terrorism and war. But what does all that mean with respect to the American invasion and occupation of Iraq?
What it has to do with the Iraq war, is to point out the complete and utter lack of stability in not only the Middle East, but of the entire Muslim world. The world of Islam is huge. It stretches from Morocco to Malaysia, from Kosovo to Mozambique. Its a vast civilization of people from many differing back grounds, and many different ethnicities. They do have one thing in common, they are Muslim and the rest of the world is not.
Islam has been at war with itself, and western society for over a thousand years. In 1803 the Muslim pirates of Tripoli began seizing the ships of the newly minted United States of America, and selling the sailors into slavery. President Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter demanding they cease and desist, and recognize America's right to the use high seas. The pirates replied that not only was it their right, it was their duty under Islamic law to fight the infidel where ever encountered. Thomas Jefferson responded by creating the US Marines. "From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli."
We have been at war with these people, just as most of the western world has, for all that time. In the year 711 AD, Muslims conquered a large part of Spain. As a matter of fact, that's one of bin Looser's demands, that western society return it to the Muslims. Muslims nearly reached the gates of Vienna in 1683. You can thank Polish King Jan Sobieski for saving Europe back then. For most of the west, it was not even worth noticing. The only people concerned should the ones stupid enough to enter their part of the world, for that was their decision. The Muslims, with their limited resources, and ancient weapons, had no chance of dragging us into anything. That has changed.
For most of history, large scale invasions were not that difficult to notice. Massing of troops and ships. You could see them coming. You had time to prepare, at least to some extent. With the marriage of Islamic fundamentalism, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, there is no notice. There is no prevention, only reaction. It is a war on their terms, fought when they decide, where they decide, and the type of battle is entirely of their choosing. I recently read an article, analyzing the effects of a relatively small nuclear device detonating in down town Manhattan. The results aren't pretty. 1,600,000 Dead and dying Americans, and arguably America's most important city, a radioactive waste land. The study suggests so many wounded, there would be not be enough emergency service members alive to help them. They would lie in the streets by the hundreds of thousands, praying in agony for death to take them. This is no science fiction movie or novel.
When I was a kid, we used to perform air raid drills at school. We'd grab our coats, file into the hall way, lean towards the wall, cover our heads with our arms, and wait out nuclear Armageddon. That was just pure foolishness. I watched the World Trade Centers fall on TV. This is real. Its as real as New York City, Washington DC, Madrid, London, Moscow, Bali, Paris, Baghdad, Amman and thousands of other cities around the world were this war rages in the streets.
Islamic fundamentalism plus weapons of mass destruction, plus the ease of world travel thanks to globalism, equal the very real possibility of the destruction of America. New York City is the financial capitol of the world. Its mind boggling to even try to conceive the effects on the global world economy should it suddenly cease to exist. The world would be thrown into an economic recession from which it might never recover.
But then again, that's the terrorist agenda. They don't want to see a thriving western society. They want to see death and destruction. That way its easier for them to plunge those left alive into slavish nightmare of what they call paradise. They make the rules, we obey or die. And they get to watch, all snug and comfortable in their piety, that they are the hand of God.
What once would have required the largest armed forces in the world, can now be accomplished by a relatively small group of dedicated men. And make no mistake they are dedicated. One would have to be in order to think it an act worthy of God, to kill children gathering to receive candy.
But again, what does that have to do with Saddam, Iraq and America?
As I've noted in previous essays, I believe there are as many reasons for terrorists, as there are terrorists. But I believe the primary reason is lack of hope. Total despair. The inability to even dream of a better life. And one sure way to create that despair is the relentless and never ending oppression of the people of the Muslim world. And that's what the world of Islam is. Crushed under repression, beaten down, driven into the mud and the blood, from which they see no exit. Stir in some religion, promising a better world in the afterlife, arm them with a vial so small it could fit in a pen, and turn them loose on a society which they despise. I hope that scares you, because it scares the hell out of me. It's not fiction. Its fact. That is the reality of today's world.
In 1991 Bush the Coward went into Iraq, for what I now consider dubious reasons. Dubious because of what he claimed he wanted to accomplish, as opposed to the reality of Iraq on the eve of the second Gulf War, are worlds apart. Bush the Coward used the US military to drive Saddam out of Kuwait. But he did not plan, did not foresee, did not worry about the results of his actions. And those results were catastrophic. Bush the Coward and his allies broke Iraq, wrapped it in duct tape, and left it for the pathetic United Nations to worry about.
Consider that for a moment. As if life in Iraq under Saddam, wasn't bad enough, the United States and the UN made it even worse. First the Coward's attempts to encourage the Iraqi's to rebel in 1991, where he promptly fed them to the dogs. Estimates of 300,000 dead Shiites and Kurds. Is it any wonder the US is having such a hard time during the current occupation? Would you trust a nation that suggested you rise up, only to find your entire family and town wiped off the face of the earth? I would find the opportunity for payback very tempting.
The Vatican estimated 50,000 dead Iraqis every year from the UN sanctions alone. Think about that number. Not only did America turn its back on the Iraqi people in their hour of greatest need, now the entire world was set to crush them in the vice of sanctions. Not that Saddam would be all that inconvenienced. He still had his WMDs, his army and his billions. But to the common Iraqi citizen, nothing but despair. Complete and total despair. And at our hands, no less.
Following 9/11, many Americans finally realized we are, in fact, at war with Islamic fundamentalists We realized just how vulnerable we truly are. We realized just how easy it is for them to murder thousands with out even using WMDs, just simple box cutters. We also realized just how truly dangerous Saddam was, with his WMDs. Its not outrageous to believe Saddam would be more than willing to deal with anyone necessary in order to exact his revenge on America, after all the United States humiliated him before the entire world. That was the main cause for the invasion. Americans, in 2002 and early 2003 agreed not to wait for him to link up with bin Looser or any terrorist groups for that matter. The threat needed to be dealt with before the attack occurred.
Many words have been spoken detailing the case for pre-emptive war. The second Iraq war was not for pre-emption, it was a preventive war, waged to prevent an even larger war. Some time in the 1930's, Adolf Hitler decided to break the treaty of Versailles and remilitarize the Rhineland, Germany's industrial heart land. At the time, France had an army 60 miles away that out numbered the Germans some 30 to one. Had France acted in a timely manor, perhaps the entire European theater of World War II might have been avoided. Millions of lives saved, many millions more, left unscarred by the horrors of war. What if? What might have been? What could have been? Who knows.
I believe the second Gulf War is justified because we need to fix what Bush the Coward and America did in 1991. We broke Iraq, and refused to fix it. The world is far too dangerous today to have a nation of 25 million people languishing as Iraq was. And if we do not, now, finish what we started in 1991, then America will be back in Iraq in the future, assuming America is still around.
A nation should never enter into war lightly. People's lives are at stake. But, if a nation decides that war is necessary, then it must be fought to its conclusion. Half efforts are only leaving the nightmare to another generation. And that's what America did in 1991. We left the open wounds to fester and boil. We should never have done that. Today, American soldiers are paying the price for that short sighted endeavor.
I pray to God that we have the courage to see it through, to rebuild what we have destroyed. I fear its the only chance the Muslim world and western society have left. Ignore the problem, and we will all suffer greatly. Do what we must to solve our own misdeeds, and maybe, just maybe, both the Muslim world and America have a chance for a future.
Editor's note: This was a labour of love for the author, and I certainly didn't pay him for this work. If you enjoyed - or hated - the series, please leave a comment.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Waking up in a new world: Part IX
Editor's note: Is that a light I see at the end of the tunnel? We are almost done, but if this is all new to you, your long - but worthwhile - journey starts here. Also, the Author wanted me to make it clear that all links were my idea. Sometimes I can be a dolore nell'asino.
Terrorism
I don't need no stinkin' Wikipedia.com to tell me what terrorism is. And, unlike the US Supreme Court's opinion on pornography, I don't need to see it in order to know it.
Terrorism, simply put, is the practice to inflict as much horror, death and destruction on a people, so that they will give the perpetrator whatever they want, in order to halt future acts.
Its very similar to war, but not quite. War attempts to destroy the opposing nation's will to fight by destroying their means of defense (or retaliation), thereby rendering the opposition government impotent. Wars are usually fought hot and fast, as in World War II, or Iraq. Sometimes they are fought excruciatingly slow, as in the Cold War. Terrorism is neither. It's like war in slow motion, like a simmering pot. Instead of a fleet of bombers dispensing death en'mass, the bombs go off, one at a time, over weeks, months, years, decades.
Despite claims to the contrary, terror is not the tool of the powerful, but rather the tool of the weak. Its used by groups and organizations who know they can't stand up to a real army, so they don't. Instead, they hide in the shadows, they blend in with the citizens, they look for vulnerability among the populations, then they strike with great ferociousness and they strike everyday people, just living their lives. Their goal is horrific headlines of blood and body parts everywhere, people screaming in terror. Dead children. Don't like it? Then give them what they want.
I know the first question leaping to a liberal's mind at the above statements: what's the difference between the US' actions in Iraq and al Qeada's actions? After all, the actions of both sides result in the deaths of innocent civilians. But there is a difference. When the US accidentally kills innocent civilians, its not because they are the target, but rather because that's where the targets hide, among the innocent. When terrorists kill, its because innocent civilians are the targets. There is a difference, and I will not budge on this point. There is a difference.
While the overall odds are in favor of powerful nations defeating terrorists, in reality, they have the upper hand. They choose the targets, the timing, the weapons. There is no warning, just gunfire, explosions, and the body count. And let us not forget the headlines. Any terrorist worth his weight knows the modern terrorist battle is fought in the media. They know that very well. And the modern media is only too willing to help them out for the sake of ratings.
The reasons for employing terror tactics are, in my opinion, as varied as the number of terrorists. That is, each terrorist has his or her own reasons for deciding to kill civilians. Perhaps vengeance, hatred, insanity, love of carnage, or maybe its just some sick bastard's method for achieving fame. Politicians will tell you we need to learn the "root causes" of terrorism, so we can help stop them. In my opinion, the biggest root cause is an utter lack of hope for the future, complete despair. But in reality, it's what ever an individual feels is appropriate to strap on a bomb and kill.
I would be academically dishonest if I did not address the issue of 'one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter' but that's a deceptively difficult question to answer, as it means looking at each case individually. What are the terrorists attempting to achieve as opposed to their opponents? For example, let us look at the bloody struggle in North Ireland. Back when I was in highschool, I had a friend who's family was a host for a foreign exchange student. She was a Protestant from Northern Ireland, quite cute, and I'm a sucker for a sexy accent. I cornered her in a bar one time (drinking age was 18 back then) and I asked her, I wanted to know the real story from some one who really knows. I asked her, what was going on and why. First off she assured me it wasn't nearly as bad as the American Press made it out. She worked in a government office (she was an exchange student several years earlier, and by this point she was on vacation in America and made sure to stop by and visit her friends) and had one or two bomb scares, but that was the extent of it. She explained that while she was Irish, she considered herself a British citizen. That one sentence summed it up pretty good. Both sides were fighting for the same thing, their right to their own country. See what I mean about a difficult question to answer? The northern Irish who were Protestants considered Northern Ireland to be their country, and they wanted to remain part of Great Britain. The Catholic Irish considered the British to be invaders, they wanted their country back.
See what I mean?
Since the thrust of this series of writings is America and Iraq, I will not even attempt to cover all terrorist organizations, and will instead concentrate on the ones in the Middle East.
What Al Qeada claims it wants is easy to discern, they've posted their demands many times. Among them are demands that the US sign the Kyoto Accords and the return of Spain to the Muslims. (I wonder if they'd negotiate over France instead?). The whole thing reminds me of the movie Air Heads, or maybe Die Hard. Make outrageous demands to create a diversion for your enemy.
What bin Looser and al Qeada really want, is fairly obvious. World domination, but for now, they'll settle for rulership of the entire Muslim world. They want to use terror to scare western civilization out of the Middle East, thereby stripping Muslim dictators of their powerful supporters and weapon suppliers. Then they can begin knocking off moderate Islamic nations, via revolution, one by one. The eventual, short term goal, is to overthrow the Saudi family and conquer Arabia. Once in control of Islam's holiest sites, they become the standard bearers for Islam. What Islam is, is what they say it is. Knocking off the Pope does not make the killer the Pope. Controlling Mecca and Medina does - more or less - control the voice of Islam.
From the throne of Islam, they can continue to foster terrorism and revolution throughout the Muslim world, until bin Looser can be crowned as the Caliphate, or true successor of Mohammed. Remember previously when I mentioned the reasons for a terrorist to kill? Remember the part about some sick bastard wanting fame?
As the Caliphate of a reborn Muslim empire, bin Looser not only controls the message of Islam, he controls the world's oil supply, as well as the trillions of dollars the Saudis, the Kuwaitis and the Iraqis already have from the past sale of oil. A significant portion of the world's economy.
I believe bin Looser was also counting on Saddam's weapons of mass destruction, as a bargaining chip with the rest of the world, but it appears Saddam out foxed him on that one.
But their long term goal is also obvious, world domination. That may sound a bit far fetched, until you dig a little deeper in Wahhabism. It's a very strict form of Islam, in that, any one who doesn't believe in what they do - completely, without question - are infidels, beneath a dog, and worthy only of death. They believe Islam is the only true religion (in particular, their flavor of it), and therefore is destined to control the entire world. Look it up, its in your Quran. That means Shiites, as well as any Muslim who won't tow their line on conformity. Every one in the entire world who differs from them on any issue or point, deservers death. Think about that. A terrorist organization who's declared if you don't accept them as the ultimate authority in the world, you are their enemy.
And to achieve their goal, everyone and anyone must die. Preferably, horribly.
What does that mean for the innocent civilians of the Middle East caught in the middle, as well as the rest of us, should they achieve any manor of success? Take a look at the Taliban in Afghanistan, you'll get a very good idea of their paradise on earth. And it ain't pretty.
Terrorism
I don't need no stinkin' Wikipedia.com to tell me what terrorism is. And, unlike the US Supreme Court's opinion on pornography, I don't need to see it in order to know it.
Terrorism, simply put, is the practice to inflict as much horror, death and destruction on a people, so that they will give the perpetrator whatever they want, in order to halt future acts.
Its very similar to war, but not quite. War attempts to destroy the opposing nation's will to fight by destroying their means of defense (or retaliation), thereby rendering the opposition government impotent. Wars are usually fought hot and fast, as in World War II, or Iraq. Sometimes they are fought excruciatingly slow, as in the Cold War. Terrorism is neither. It's like war in slow motion, like a simmering pot. Instead of a fleet of bombers dispensing death en'mass, the bombs go off, one at a time, over weeks, months, years, decades.
Despite claims to the contrary, terror is not the tool of the powerful, but rather the tool of the weak. Its used by groups and organizations who know they can't stand up to a real army, so they don't. Instead, they hide in the shadows, they blend in with the citizens, they look for vulnerability among the populations, then they strike with great ferociousness and they strike everyday people, just living their lives. Their goal is horrific headlines of blood and body parts everywhere, people screaming in terror. Dead children. Don't like it? Then give them what they want.
I know the first question leaping to a liberal's mind at the above statements: what's the difference between the US' actions in Iraq and al Qeada's actions? After all, the actions of both sides result in the deaths of innocent civilians. But there is a difference. When the US accidentally kills innocent civilians, its not because they are the target, but rather because that's where the targets hide, among the innocent. When terrorists kill, its because innocent civilians are the targets. There is a difference, and I will not budge on this point. There is a difference.
While the overall odds are in favor of powerful nations defeating terrorists, in reality, they have the upper hand. They choose the targets, the timing, the weapons. There is no warning, just gunfire, explosions, and the body count. And let us not forget the headlines. Any terrorist worth his weight knows the modern terrorist battle is fought in the media. They know that very well. And the modern media is only too willing to help them out for the sake of ratings.
The reasons for employing terror tactics are, in my opinion, as varied as the number of terrorists. That is, each terrorist has his or her own reasons for deciding to kill civilians. Perhaps vengeance, hatred, insanity, love of carnage, or maybe its just some sick bastard's method for achieving fame. Politicians will tell you we need to learn the "root causes" of terrorism, so we can help stop them. In my opinion, the biggest root cause is an utter lack of hope for the future, complete despair. But in reality, it's what ever an individual feels is appropriate to strap on a bomb and kill.
I would be academically dishonest if I did not address the issue of 'one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter' but that's a deceptively difficult question to answer, as it means looking at each case individually. What are the terrorists attempting to achieve as opposed to their opponents? For example, let us look at the bloody struggle in North Ireland. Back when I was in highschool, I had a friend who's family was a host for a foreign exchange student. She was a Protestant from Northern Ireland, quite cute, and I'm a sucker for a sexy accent. I cornered her in a bar one time (drinking age was 18 back then) and I asked her, I wanted to know the real story from some one who really knows. I asked her, what was going on and why. First off she assured me it wasn't nearly as bad as the American Press made it out. She worked in a government office (she was an exchange student several years earlier, and by this point she was on vacation in America and made sure to stop by and visit her friends) and had one or two bomb scares, but that was the extent of it. She explained that while she was Irish, she considered herself a British citizen. That one sentence summed it up pretty good. Both sides were fighting for the same thing, their right to their own country. See what I mean about a difficult question to answer? The northern Irish who were Protestants considered Northern Ireland to be their country, and they wanted to remain part of Great Britain. The Catholic Irish considered the British to be invaders, they wanted their country back.
See what I mean?
Since the thrust of this series of writings is America and Iraq, I will not even attempt to cover all terrorist organizations, and will instead concentrate on the ones in the Middle East.
What Al Qeada claims it wants is easy to discern, they've posted their demands many times. Among them are demands that the US sign the Kyoto Accords and the return of Spain to the Muslims. (I wonder if they'd negotiate over France instead?). The whole thing reminds me of the movie Air Heads, or maybe Die Hard. Make outrageous demands to create a diversion for your enemy.
What bin Looser and al Qeada really want, is fairly obvious. World domination, but for now, they'll settle for rulership of the entire Muslim world. They want to use terror to scare western civilization out of the Middle East, thereby stripping Muslim dictators of their powerful supporters and weapon suppliers. Then they can begin knocking off moderate Islamic nations, via revolution, one by one. The eventual, short term goal, is to overthrow the Saudi family and conquer Arabia. Once in control of Islam's holiest sites, they become the standard bearers for Islam. What Islam is, is what they say it is. Knocking off the Pope does not make the killer the Pope. Controlling Mecca and Medina does - more or less - control the voice of Islam.
From the throne of Islam, they can continue to foster terrorism and revolution throughout the Muslim world, until bin Looser can be crowned as the Caliphate, or true successor of Mohammed. Remember previously when I mentioned the reasons for a terrorist to kill? Remember the part about some sick bastard wanting fame?
As the Caliphate of a reborn Muslim empire, bin Looser not only controls the message of Islam, he controls the world's oil supply, as well as the trillions of dollars the Saudis, the Kuwaitis and the Iraqis already have from the past sale of oil. A significant portion of the world's economy.
I believe bin Looser was also counting on Saddam's weapons of mass destruction, as a bargaining chip with the rest of the world, but it appears Saddam out foxed him on that one.
But their long term goal is also obvious, world domination. That may sound a bit far fetched, until you dig a little deeper in Wahhabism. It's a very strict form of Islam, in that, any one who doesn't believe in what they do - completely, without question - are infidels, beneath a dog, and worthy only of death. They believe Islam is the only true religion (in particular, their flavor of it), and therefore is destined to control the entire world. Look it up, its in your Quran. That means Shiites, as well as any Muslim who won't tow their line on conformity. Every one in the entire world who differs from them on any issue or point, deservers death. Think about that. A terrorist organization who's declared if you don't accept them as the ultimate authority in the world, you are their enemy.
And to achieve their goal, everyone and anyone must die. Preferably, horribly.
What does that mean for the innocent civilians of the Middle East caught in the middle, as well as the rest of us, should they achieve any manor of success? Take a look at the Taliban in Afghanistan, you'll get a very good idea of their paradise on earth. And it ain't pretty.
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