The absence of a UN security counsel approval leaves me with mixed feelings. I see soldiers on both sides as victims of their government's propaganda and all life lost as a tragedy. Iraqi civilian deaths are of equal loss as the death of an American.
I also believe in the right of a people to defend it's country against an illegal attack and foreign invasion. The failure of the Bush administration to convince the world that diplomacy and non violent means has been exausted and justifies the death of thousands of innocent civillians and American and allied soldiers at this time, arguably makes this war illegal based on international laws.
As much as Americans feel justified in attacking Iraq, there would seem to be as much and maybe greater justification for Iraq to defend itself. I think really the only position I could support would have been more time for the inspectors. I also think America should have been applauded for the military pressure exerted on Saddam and the cost of that should have been shared by the world, but I don't believe the means for a peaceful solution was exausted. The way the Bush administration had gone about their justification for war and their mixed motives left many with the impression they were not acting in good faith and that war was inevitable from the beginning. I think much of the world feels helpless and regretful that a peaceful solution could not be met.
I am satisfied with the Canadian position of sitting this war out due to a failure of the US to receive authorization for war from the UN security counsel and our committment to helping rebuild Iraq after a war. At the same time, relations with the US have been weakening for a long time and have gotten worse. It is a shame that countries are being compelled to support actions they don't agree with at the risk of reprisals from the US if they don't.
I really can't see the logic in supporting one's military forces in a conflict they are opposed to. Not that one hopes for harm to come to them, but how can u wish them success if it will bring harm to others? I just hope the soldiers and their families believe in what they are killing and dying for.
Path
