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George,
I don't think that United States should always intervene militarily,
but I certainly believe it is our duty to try to prevent and stop genocide
wherever it occurs. See See
Men Shredded, Then You Don't Back War. Maybe this puts me on the same
page with left wing groups like Amnesty International, but so be it. I do
not think this makes us the "World's
Police." It simply makes us advocates for human rights. I believe
when Mr. Clinton was in office he said that military force in Iraq was a
likely solution. In fact he actually used force.
In addition, I recognize that we've failed in the past, but our failures
should never prevent us from doing what we know is right. Today the right
thing to do is to remove Sadam. Tomorrow the right thing to do is to try
to help rebuild Iraq. I do not see this as Western intervention or an attempt
to rebuild Iraq in the shape of America. There is little chance that we
could ever forcibly make Iraq act like America. We can, however, help them
begin to attain some very basic fundamental freedoms.
Courage is not defined by asking everyone else what they would do, it
is defined by doing what you know you should do.
Tyler Sewell (electronic mail, March 18, 2003)
Editor's Note: In this instance, Amnesty
International believes that military action in Iraq could trigger civilian
and human rights catastrophe (see below) and other human rights' advocates,
such as Jimmy
Carter, have been very critical of our going to war in the current fashion.
One of many questions raised by Mr. Sewell's comments is whether the
United States should intervene every time it becomes aware of a pattern
of genocide and/or other atrocities, with or without the support of the
international community in general and the United Nations in particular.
This said, it does appear that President George W. Bush has followed
James Russell Lowell's dictim, "And what they dare to dream of,
dare to do."
"With the onset of military action against Iraq, Amnesty International
demands assurances from all parties - USA its allies and Iraq - that they
will respect fully the laws of war, protect civilians and ensure their access
to humanitarian assistance.
"Those who have launched the military attacks must take responsibility
if their action provokes a human rights and humanitarian catastrophe. We
fear it will disrupt delivery of essential services and supplies to a population
heavily dependent on government aid, and could trigger a humanitarian catastrophe.
They must make every effort to safeguard the people and alleviate human
suffering," said Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International.
"Amnesty International believes there is a real risk that many civilians,
including children, might die as a result of indiscriminate attacks, or
use of prohibited weapons."
Amnesty International also fears that attempts by the Iraqi regime to
suppress internal uprisings or, the settling of scores that could follow
if the regime collapses, could lead to widespread human rights abuses.
"It is essential that the United Nations begins preparations for
the deployment of international human rights monitors in Iraq as soon as
the situation permits. The mandate of the monitors should address violations
by any authority controlling the territory, whether Iraqi or foreign."
Amnesty International calls on the neighbouring states, and the Kurdish
authorities to keep their borders open to receive refugees and displaced
persons, and to give full and free access to international organisations
and NGOs.
"The international community must support these countries, "
Ms Khan stated.
Amnesty International also fears significant 'collateral damage' on human
rights in the region and beyond.
"There is a high degree of public anger and concern about the war.
Already the freedoms of expression, assembly and movement are being threatened
as increasing numbers of anti-war demonstrations are suppressed, political
opponents and journalists are detained. We must resist a backlash against
human rights," Ms Khan warned." (Amnesty International Press Release,
March 20, 2003)
Further information on the crisis in Iraq: http://web.amnesty.org/web/web.nsf/pages/iraq_summary |
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