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Should the U.S. Wage War on Iraq?
by Brian Risman, Publisher, www thelawjournal co uk - 19 August 2002
Continuation of the Article...Page 3 of 7
The second question is -- under what circumstances would action be justified?
As noted, few in the world would consider Saddam Hussein a sterling humanitarian and world citizen. However, in order to gain world support from both governments and their populace, the United States needs to provide compelling evidence for the launching of an war on Iraq. Drum beating is not compelling evidence.
Back in 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, President Kennedy released confidential photos that convinced many people around the world that the Soviet Union was in fact installing nuclear missiles in Cuba, presenting an aggressive threat to world peace. Without those photos, the Crisis would have simply been considered mere jousting between the superpowers. The pictures, however, changed the equation in favour of the United States, forcing a humiliating retreat by the Soviets.
The United States cannot realistically invade Iraq on its own. Yes, militarily it could certainly defeat Saddam Hussein's forces. However, the spectre of the United States seemingly beating up on another small country is not something that would enhance American influence in the world. President Bush should remember that power does not come, in the final analysis, out of the gun. It comes out of right, out of influence in the world. Therefore, the United States needs to build its support and participants by providing to both governments and their populace the evidence. If the evidence against Saddam Hussein is compelling, then there will be world support. There would not be the perception, given the lack of evidence provided, that the U.S. is trying to finish an uncompleted job. Please note that the United States does not have to beg countries for support. By treating potential allies as intelligent partners, the United States will gain needed goodwill in a trying situation.
Note as well that President Bush should provide this evidence to his own people. Once the evidence is clear, there will be no question about the circumstances surrounding an attack being opportune. Without that evidence, however, no one can truly determine whether the circumstances of an attack would be justified.
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