SINCERITY
If those nation's which objected so strongly to our war with Iraq now wish to become a central power in the restoration of that land, what might we think of their sincereity?
Just a few weeks ago, they were strongly berating our intentions and seemed to feel the people of Irag did not want or need, any help in ridding themselves of an oppressive dictatorship. They predicted all kinds of difficulties and cried : "Hold Off!.. Wait! ....Not Now!....Never". They depicted our actions as being those of a demented, unthinking brute intent on killing as many innocents as as possible.
What stance should we assume? What position might we choose, or what could, or should be our attitude in regard to this burst of "Me, too-ism". It seems that it comes ,too, not as a suggestion but rather as a request, mainly from France, Russia and Germany, and that does not put the entire thing in a good light at all. It is somewhat ironic because they seem to be intent on giving the impression they are speaking on behalf of the United Nations rather on their own, nationalistic preferences.
We had best ask for, and even demand if it need be that way, an honest accounting from the three powers concerning heir endangered financial holdings in the vanquished Saddam Hussien's Iraq. Both France and Russia were heavily involved in complex deals with Saddam and their priamary concern at the present moment is to see to it that any nedw government set up in Iraq will "honor" the deals they made with Saddam's minnions. They want to be sure they can collect that which the toppled ruler owed them. That was, many people think, the primary reason they stayed out of the war, using UN unity as an excuse, They wanted to prevent, as they still do, any sudden drain on their national money bags.
Only such an accounting could level the playing field a bit to show where everyone stood as reconsruction of Iraq began. This knowledge should be available to all. We owe, at least, a word f appreciation to those who did support us in the war effort even though were unable to contribute funds , supplies or troops to the war effort. Their support was more important than we willl ever know, I dare say. History will show we were not "alone" as so many want to make it seem, in knowing it was the right action to take.
Our ultimate answer to them should be "yes" All nations should work together to restore Iraq, just as all nations should be sending aid to famine stricken men, women and children in Efthiopia. It is time for the UN to awaken to the opportunity it faces rather than to become embroiled in petty nationalist tactics. The United Nations has brought about many positve changes in many areas. It has a strong set of reasons why it should continue. We helped helped to start it; we helped to maintain it, and we will help to sustain it in difficult times.
A.L.M. April 12, 2003 [c434wds]
