Position On War In Iraq

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Position on War in Iraq

The war in Iraq has drawn firm lines between supporters and those who oppose military action. While no war could be declared “good” by nature, the war against a sadistic dictator is justified. To prove this justification it is important to clarify the real issues behind the war. It is not a war for oil, or a war against religion. It is a war against a regime that has no regard for human life, dignity, or freedom. Additionally, it is a war aimed at removing a dictator who poses a real and ongoing threat to Middle East and world peace.
In a speech given to an audience at Berkley, Thomas Barnes stated that he would be taking the unpopular position, that of supporting President Bush’s decision to go to war. Before clarifying his position Barnes makes it clear that while he believes the war is necessary, it would not be as short as many Americans hoped (Barnes).
Barnes justified the decision to support the war based on the historical actions and inaction of Saddam Hussein. For example, he noted that twelve years of sanctions and inspections did not persuade Saddam to disarm, or to refrain from making new illegal weapons (Barnes).
Barnes also noted another diplomatic failure, that of U.N. Resolution 1441. Although the terminology of this Resolution made it clear in no uncertain terms that Saddam was to disarm, Barnes states that the intentions of one country in particular made the Resolution virtually ineffective. With all diplomatic efforts blocked, the U.S. had no other choice but to take a military route in order to ensure the safety of Americans and other peoples of the world (Barnes).
Barnes touched on several other topics in his speech, including the difficulties and complexities of war, the inevitable causalities, and the likelihood that there would be other wars in the future. However, one statement in particular stood out in his speech. According to Barnes, the world would not know the extent...