Dear Editor,    

            The United States and its coalition forces have started war against Iraq. They are determined to take the evil dictator Saddam Hussein out of the power in Iraq. So far they are using air strike and land troops against Iraq.

            This article focuses on the reasons presented by Mr. Bush and Mr. Blair for this war. On the basis of my knowledge, perceptions, and reasoning, I am evaluating those reasons. Mr. Bush and Mr. Blair said that this war is for the benefit of Iraqi people as they will get rid of Saddam. Unfortunately, as a result of the bombings there have been many innocent casualties and injuries, as well as destruction of residential properties.

            Not surprisingly, these have not been shown by any American news channels: NBC, CNN, ABC, and FOX etc. Only BBC has shown a bit about these casualties, which will increase as these bombings will increase and will be more intensive. Many people have been homeless due to these bombings, and now they are living in neighboring countries' refugee camps.  Those homeless Iraqi people, who have been interviewed by international newscasters, are angry. They do not like this idea of war and are asking the world, "Why are we homeless?" They never wanted the coalition to attack Iraq. They never wanted to leave Iraq, their homes, and their properties, but now they are in refugee camps without anything. Jordan, which is one of the neighboring countries providing refugee camps for these people, has made an official statement asking these Iraqi people to leave Jordan as soon as possible. So far these homeless people are living on the food and other necessities provided by the UN. Mr. Bush and Mr. Blair talked about the rebuilding of Iraq after this war. For me, present is more important than future.

            Right now, this war is destroying the present of Iraqi people. In  the future, the international aid will help to rebuild Iraq and help these destroyed Iraqi people. Does it sound reasonable? There were many other alternatives available to deal with Saddam and disarming him other than war. Doubtlessly, he is a bad person. He has killed many innocent Iraqi people and done various severe crimes, but why are innocent Iraqi people paying by giving their lives and their homes?

            Another reason presented by Mr. Bush and Mr. Blair was that by getting rid of Saddam Hussein, terrorism will be stopped. With the help of this war Saddam is getting respect in the hearts filled with terrorism and Anti-American sentiments. Many people, who are using the name of Islam for their own benefits and manipulating with its concepts and teachings, may use Saddam as another reason to spread the concept of terrorism sentiments in their followers. This war may help to make a bad person a hero for these people. These threats will increase the terrorism instead of stopping it.

             I think this war was never a good option under any circumstance. But the conclusion is that this war is a reality and it is going on, or to be more specific these bombings are reality that will increase and will be more intensive.

Mohammed Asif Datoo Thawer ‘04