This text represents my personal opinion on Iraq, 2 months ago, on December the 14th 2004, and as such my current opinion might differ on certain points.
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The news that 380 tons of conventional explosives are missing, because the military base where they were previously stored had been looted, even while the International Atomic Energy Agency had warned for that possibility, poses some serious questions about the current situation in Iraq. It's not the first time that something has been looted while this could have been prevented. Other examples are musea, certain factories, military bases etc.
Because these bases, factories and other places were not secure or secure enough, the future of Iraq as a result has become less secure. With 380 ton of explosives lots of bombs can be build, as it was dual purpose explosive it could also be used for other purposes.
The fact that this was a invasion that was lead by a coalition of countries, which did not have approval of the UN, has damaged the image of several of those countries. For me it makes that an illegal war.
As far as I know the UN resolution mentionned that if what was asked was not done, there would then be certain consequences. But it never has been said openly or in advance what those consequences would be. That is, as far as I know. I do have to admit that I have not studied the resolution in detail, but I certainly want to do that in the future.
To prevent this kind of situations in the future, it would best to write down and record beforehand what the punishment is for non compliance, and its consequences. In this case that would mean:
- a plan on how to force Iraq, possibly military, to conform to the resolution.
- which places do have to be secured e.g. musea, energy stations, military bases, e.g. if not all bases can be secured, then perhaps it would be best to consider the option of centralised storeage places
- medical care, schools, education and work as well as keeping order
- water and electricity supplies, preventive dealing with possible sabotages and its consequences
- to look how much people would be needed for that, best would be to look at the maximum rahter than the minimum.
- to look at possible counteractions of guerilla, terorists
- public relations towards the inhabitants of Iraq
- prison practices, prison interior design, what to do with old and new political prisoners
- etc
Article comments
1 - Richard Porter
Florence,
(or should I say Teresa Heinz-Kerry), I thought you and your husband lost the election.
Seriously though, perhaps you can come up with an opinion as large as the one posted on your own without reading excerpts from John Kerry's speeches (while trying to scare the American public into electing him).
Your ostrich in the sand technique must hurt your neck and back!
2 - Floris vermeir
First of all my name is Floris. That just a matter of having mannerst, I don't mispell your name either.
Secondly this is my opnion, and if that is partialy the same as Kerry's so be it. Its not unusual for two people to have partually the same opinion.
Also this text was never before made public as come sout of my diary. And I so no reason why I would scare or dare to push the american public into electing somebody. That is up to them to decide. And so they have. That is none of my business.
But as I do live in a democracy, I stil am entitled to my own opinion, and if that scares people so be it. Reality is often not a very nice place.
But please could you explain me what you mean with " my ostrich in the sand technique must hurt your neck and back" ? As i don't quite understand what it refers to.
As far as I know, America comes out pretty well in this text, as you are only accounted for 1/3 of the current situation, rather than the sometimes 80 % others seem to think.
3 - Floris
Sorry for the spelling mistakes, it happens when I type to fast.
4 - SFC SKI
You're right, we should let the UN take over, they did such a proactive and determined job in Bosnia, Rwanda, Somalia, and they way they are jumping up to take the lead in handling the situation in Darfur shows that they are THE only group who can be resolute in the face of adversity in order to bring about stability in Iraq, and probably Lebanon as well.
5 - Dave Nalle
Personally I'm enjoying the new tales from Rwanda and Congo of mass civilian rapes by UN soldiers.
Dave
6 - Tom French
Personally I'm enjoying the new tales from Rwanda and Congo of mass civilian rapes by UN soldiers.
Dave
That statement is disgusting
7 - Floris
Gentlemen,
Your comments are correct. Indeed in order frot he UN to take over they have to get there act otgether and act more quickly.
The Un are not the only ones capable of such a thing, but it sends out a different signal to all countries if they are not involved.
If the US bypassed the UN, then why would other countries not do the same ? Think about it.
On the first post I would like to remark that my name is Floris, and that is only a matter of manners to write somebody's name corecctly, i do my best not mispell any of your names either.
This is my opnion, and if that is partialy the same as Kerry's so be it. Its not unusual for two people to
have partually the same opinion.
I didn' read his speeches or any one other for that matter, and rather I agreed with him on some of the
things he said.
This text was never before made public as it comes out of my diary. Some of the text i wrote will never become public. I see no reason why I would scare or
dare to push the american public into electing somebody. That is up to them to decide. And so they have. That is none of my business.
This text was written more than 2 months ago, so it will no longer acuratly reflect the current situation.
As we have most certainly different viewpoints, your comments are welcome. I may not share all your considerations, but then my country is not as involved
in that war as is yours.
But as I do live in a democracy, I stil am entitled to my own opinion, and if that scares people so be it.
Reality is often not a very nice place.
As far as I know, America comes out pretty well in this text, as you are only accounted for 1/3 of the
current situation, rather than the sometimes 80 % others seem to think. Why only 1/3 ? Putting the
'blame' on America only, would not be taking into acount the responsability all countries who agreed on that or those resolutions have.
Its easy saying somebody that they will be punished, but if we don't say what that punishment is, and do nothing when we should act, then we are also
responsable.
Perhaps the next time the UN comes in such a situation they can write a better resolution that not only says what has to be done, but also what will happen if its not complied with. Because otherwise it will just be text and then they loose there autority.
Sincerly,
Floris Vermeir
8 - Dave Nalle
Sarcasm, Tom - blatant, obvious, unavoidable sarcasm.
Dave