Sarah asked: To everyone who thinks we shouldn't go to war against Saddam - please explain how else you would get rid of him, or why he should be allowed to stay in power.
Hi Sarah. This is a complex question - and the answer is even more so. I think that there are several factors at work in Iraq and that even a military victory by U.N. forces wouldn't bring about lasting, positive change in Iraq. In order to start any military action, the U.N. would have to pull out the inspectors. After trying for so long to get inside, it would seem counterproductive to just pack up and leave. I don't think Saddam should be in power. But, given the global picture, as I understand it, I don't understand why the focus is on this one country. (Although, as a nation, the U.S. has found it convenient to demonize one entity: the Soviet Union, then Iran, and now Iraq.) To emphasize my point, I'll ask in what country has there been the largest loss of life as a result of religious conflict since 1990? (The answer is at the end of this email.) Honestly, I don't know how to deal with the broad lack of reverence in religious fanaticism that breeds such heated conflict. And I also don't see how adherents to the strict sharia code of justice in Islam can coexist peacefully with the Western world. I do know that bombing and killing only perpetuates hate and that understanding leads to reverence, which leads to peace. I'm not sure I really answered your question, but I hope you found what I said at least thought provoking. lots of love Anne the answer: Sudan
