In Support of Iraq

First let me point out that "Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002" Passed the House by a vote of 296-133 and the Senate by a vote of 77-23.

The Spratt Amendment requiring UN Security council approval and the return to Congress for final authorization was defeated 155-270

The Lee Amendment requiring work through the UN for a peaceful resolution was defeated 72-355

The Byrd Amendment affirming that no additional constitutional authority was being ceded to the President outside of that necessary to deal with the threat posed by Iraq was defeated 14-86

The Levin Amendment requiring a UN Security council resolution for 'immediate access' was defeated 24-75

The Durbin Amendment restricting the use of force only to an 'immediate threat' was defeated 30-70

The representatives of the American people supported the use of military force against Iraq. In addition to the threat of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) which seems to be the anti-war movements catchphrase, the resolution also identified the following factors:

Non-compliance with the terms of the 1991 cease-fire

Iraq's brutal repression of its civilian population

Iraq's capability and willingness to use WMDs against its own people and other countries (Kurds, Iran)

Iraq's hostility towards the United States

The Iraq Liberation Act, calling for regime change... signed into law by President Clinton.

and so on, and so forth.

That having been said, and taking no position for or against the invasion of Iraq other than to reiterate what America's representatives voted for, let me posit the position that a unilateral withdrawal of US forces from Iraq would be a war crime.

Having, through military action, toppled the existing government of Iraq it becomes incumbent upon the invading power to ensure civil stability in the nation conquered.

I am not opposed to a withdrawal from Iraq based upon rational, measurable criteria, but a knee-jerk unilateral abandonment of the new democratically elected government of Iraq without ensuring that they have the means to ensure stability could well evolve into a crime of immeasurable proportions. Imagine, if you would, Darfur... with the US as the root cause of the problem.

Many will argue that this is not 'our' problem, that if they want to kill themselves off in a sectarian orgy of bloodshed who are we to interfere. There is also the argument that they are not worth one American life, why should 'our' boys and girls die in defense of a foreign land.

The 'why' comes back to House Joint Resolution 114, which became Public Law 107-243. Our representatives, whether you like it or not, authorized it, our military executed the operation, and our government is responsible for the results, for at least the forseeable future. I urge all of you who advocate a unilateral withdrawal from Iraq to seriously reconsider the repercussions of such an act, and ask yourselves if you are willing to accept responsiblity for them.

While I would be overjoyed to find the Iraqis standing on their own two feet and seeing the planned draw down of American forces take place leaving a peaceful and democratic Iraq in their stead, I would find a chaotic, explosive, and genocidal aftermath unconscionable.

The recent 'American' penchant for disavowing all personal responsibility is disheartening. "It wasn't my fault I knocked over that liquor store... my parents failed me, I came from a broken home, I was picked on at school, and I couldn't find a job" Seems to be what the great spirt of American individualism has devolved to. Don't let the common banality of shirking personal responsibility become the policy of the United States in world affairs.

The American occupation of Germany in WWII lasted for 10 years and the occupation of Japan lasted 7, officially Berlin was occupied until October of 1990. While formal hostilities ended in 2003, the Coalition Provisional Authority did not turn over power to an 'Iraqi' government until 2005. We stand now, three and a half years from the establishment of an Iraqi government asking how long should 'occupation' forces remain? My how American patience has waned over the years.

Let us leave in the middle east a groundwork similar to post WWII Europe and not post WWI !

I for one, when we are done there, wish to be done... not back in another twenty years.

~Finntann~