I cannot but read in anguish at the declaration, "The war is not over. There is still more work to be done.", in reference to Iraq (and Afghanistan). Over 4000 American soldiers have been killed during this self proclaimed 'war on terror'. These are the figures of the american casualties we read in the press. But more importantly, how many innocent Iraqis and Afghans have been killed and maimed for life? The american casualties are minuscule compared to the casualties on the Iraqi and Afghan side.
It is almost impossible to know the actual number of Iraqis and Afghans killed to date. In 2004, a study published in Lancet, estimates 98ooo excess Iraqi deaths and a second study published in 2006 puts the estimates at 650000 excess Iraqi deaths.
The USA has the audacity to proclaim their right to fight this war. A war that was from the very onset planned and staged in the demented psyche of the neoconservatives of the Bush administration. A war that was not initiated by any party but the US. A unilateral war by the US on a country that was no threat to the west let alone to rest of the world. A war that was begun on the pretext of a lie. A war that is continuing based on a fallacy. A war that is killing tens of thousand of innocent people. A war that is destroying a nation. An illegal war perpetuated by the strong over the weak. A war of 'Might is Right'.
And how has the self righteous International Community responded? Miserably to say the least. They have been cowed into supporting this terrible injustice. It seems that the International Community is a cohort of the US after all. The impotence of the UN is not unexpected. After all it is controlled by the US and it's allies. What more can be expected from the UN other than recycled rhetoric.
It is truly disgusting to reflect on this. How truth and justice is derailed, to serve the whims and fancies of the powerful. Even more shameful is the total apathy, and hypocrisy in fact, of the majority of muslim heads of state. They are a total disgrace to the muslim community. Most of them are in their present position due to US patronage. They are indebted to the US for their survival and therefore behave like 'obedient dogs'.
All hope is not lost, it cannot be lost. As long as we believe in fighting for truth and justice, in whatever manner we chose, there is hope.
