9-11

Historical Mesopotamia, which comprises Iraq and some of the lands around it, is in the throes of war again. The three monotheistic religions emerged from this land. Muslims, Christians and Jews are the victims of the political turmoil that threatens to engulf all of the Middle East into war. Since religious differences cannot allow for peaceful co-existence, the only alternative seems to be if these countries could become democracies. US efforts to liberate the Middle East from the oppression of dictatorship offer a sensible plan for long-term peace.

Ever since the king of Iraq was assassinated in 1958, the succeeding governments have promised the people elections. These elections were supposed to bring about a parliamentary system where representatives of the Arabs, Kurds, Ashurai, Chaldeans, and other minorities would have a voice in the government. This never happened and it's something that has been long buried. The US policy today is directed toward this situation in Iraq and other contentious regimes. Maybe it was terrorism that drew the attention of the world to the region, but it's the desire for democracy that provides the only hope for peace now.

If civilization is to survive, it's the responsibility of every government to promote such values among its citizens, where there's justice, freedom of expression and a healthy environment for all children. All world educational efforts have to include the teaching of tolerance toward people of different religions and racial backgrounds. When the terrorists struck against American civilians on September 11, 2001, there were celebrations in the streets of Iraq and other cities in the region. This expression of hatred against the United States of America is not normal. It's the result of political indoctrination, racism and hatred against Americans. The US doesn't want to take revenge, but there must be an end to this. The US doesn't want to become a world empire, but Americans will not become victims of fear. The US can no longer tolerate international terrorism, because the implications are a nuclear holocaust.

Dec. 12, 2002