Possibility of War in Iraq
The possibility of war with Iraq is an ever pressing issue in our society today. The American fears of going to war are being perpetuated by the gung-ho war ethics and tendencies of our current sitting President, George W. Bush.
In an interview with Lindsey Donnell, political expert and Pre-Journalism student at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, she expressed strong sentiments about both the inevitability of an oncoming war, and the arrogance of our President, "trying to rule the world."
"It is both the worry and prediction of many students and professors on this campus, that war with the Iraq and their dictator, Saddam Hussein, is quite inevitable," stated Donnell in a passionate response when questioned about the chances of going to war.
Surprisingly, there is a large anti-war outcry within the campus' population as well as across America. "Bush doesn't think completely through any of his policies," expressed Donnell, "[he] will find a way to go to war, no matter the evidence." It is this kind of sentiment that seems to have half of America's populace in an uproar.
Donnell took time out to stress the fact she felt a military confrontation with Iraq would split our population between supporters of the war, and those against. As a result -- without the full backing of all of America -- "this war might drag out longer than any of us would have previously expected."
As it stands now, "there is no valid reason" for America to go to war said Donnell. She suggested that there was a better solution to the problem, rather than resorting to the power of our militaries force at the tip of a hat. "There are better alternatives to immediate war," she said, "we're already risking the loss of support from other countries within the UN."
Donnell calls for an education of the masses about the influence and stance America has taken in the world; if gone unchecked, Bush could cause our country to come out looking like the bad guy, as it would be the first war in which America was the aggressor.
Donnell also stated, that in a certain way, America was being the "bully" in this situation. Bush is trying to "dictate governmental policy for the rest of the world." Even though we are the only remaining super-power, "we do not have the right to tell the rest of the world what to do, simply because don't like them."
Donnell did however acknowledge the important roll the U.S. plays in the economy of the world, and expressed a desire for a non-aggressive outcome.
"I think President Bush has [also] thought through how a war would distract the attention of the American people away from the poor state of the economy, before the next election in 2004. In fact that might be part of his intention," stated Donnell.
It is the hope of this student, Lindsey Donnell, and seemingly the majority of the world, to see that this confrontation end peacefully. We will all have to meticulously observe how America's Iraqi situation will finally play out on the main stage of the world over the next couple months. Efforts to keep peace are most desired and should be the first option here.