cicerone imposter wrote:Lest start with the last issue: We must learn to forgive countries for their past crimes. Unless we do, the likes of North Ireland and Israel will never find peace.
Fine. But to forgive a transgression in absence of reasonable expectation of no further such transgression is stupid and in fact encourages further transgression
Quote:Justification for war: I find it interesting that most people in this world today, including here in the US does not want to start a war with Iraq, but rather would like to see a peaceful resolution.
Absolutely no argument. No one wants war. The means for peaceful resolution are within Saddam's grasp.
Quote:If NK is "succeptible to diplomatic resolution" why not Iraq?
Iraq refuses to negotiate in good faith or to comply with sanctions. Iraq was given an ultimatum in recognition of her continued intransigence. No such ultimatum has been delivered to DPRK. Whether such an ultimatum will be delivered to DPRK has not been decided, remains a possibility, and will or will not happen. Iraq is defying an ultimatum.
Quote: If there's no "defensive" use for WMD, then why does the US have so many?
The US, in concert with other Powers, has been actively reducing inventories of all forms of WMD, including Nuclear. The US and other parties are not likely to use WMD. Iraq has done so and threatens to do so again.
Quote:The world's problem is not only Israel. You can blame this administration for doing very little to nothing to help the Israeli-Palestinian problem. I call it negligent.
Again no argument. The World has more problems than Israel/Palestine.
And every Administration since FDR has had a hand in stirring that pot. But that's irrelevant. This here-and-now is not about Israel/Palestine. It is about Iraq
Quote:"Iraqi use of WMD" is a loss leader. There are many countries in this world with WMD. Until they use it, any fear of its use is not justification for war. Otherwise, we would pre-emptively strike all countries with WMD's. When Iraq invaded its neighbor, they paid dearly for it. If they attack their neighbor again, they'll pay again - not before. No significance? Only with Iraq? Why? Have they attacked us? Are they a threat to us? Who says so? How and when will they attack us? The big boogy man is under your bed. Better not go to sleep tonight.
Until the UN weapons inspectors finds any WMD, you can't keep saying they'll use it. That's like trying to prove there's a god. You can't prove a negative. While the inspectors are doing their jobs, there is very little chance, if any, Iraq will be using any WMD's. If they do use it, all bets are off, and they'll know it. The majority in this world will support a war with Iraq. c.i.
I disagree with the "Loss Leader" assessment. I see it as core to the issue. No other nation has demonstrated willingness to use WMD in over half a century. Iraq has demonstrated that willingness, to the the extreme prejudiceof large numbers of innocent civilians. Iraq possesses the capability to produce and professes the desire to obtain WMD. The civilized world is actively reducing inventories of WMD and joins in renunciation of their use. The inspector's job is not to "Discover" WMD ... it is to verify compliance with Iraq's requirement to divest herself of WMD and their means of production. Iraq has failed to provide any such verification, and has in fact sought to hinder investigation and has made false, misleading, and incomplete disclosure. It is immoral to wait for war justification untill Iraq undertakes to kill hordes of innocent civilians. That there is overwhelmingly credible risk she may do so is the very reason to take steps now to prevent future tragedy. A belligerant tyrant with WMD and contempt of International Law is more dangerous than a madman with a loaded gun. It is time, long past time, he be stopped.
timber
