I realize Blogger adds in the date at the start of every post (and at the end as well in case one forgets). I merely wanted to type it in once more because I have the feeling this may be one of the last few dates before war with Iraq. Maybe the last...
I would rather go on about how the Raiders played poorly, or chat about Super Bowl commercials, or several other more enjoyable topics, but I feel I should record some thoughts before our country enters into conflict.
The last major milestone that I can see before a war with Iraq is the UN Weapon's Inspector's report, which is to be delivered in the couple few hours. The only other signpost on the horizon is Tuesday's State of the Union Speech, but it would not surprise me if troops are already sent in before hand.
Don't get the wrong impression here. I'm not a war-drum banger (when I hear about people banging war drums, I see it as people who are trying to create a beat and movement where none previously exists. There are also people who sound the call and match up with a beat and direction already provided). I do not relish the idea of war and am not ignorant of the gruesome scenes of battle that exist beyond the sanitized version of war that is seen on television.
Nevertheless, I believe Iraq is a threat to the world and should be dealt with. Sanctions haven't worked. Embargos are useless. Treaties and attempts at appeasement have been uneffective. And the last straw, Iraq has not proved itself innocent of weapons of mass destruction (if UN inspectors don't find anything, that means diddly! Unlike the US court system, guidelines setup by the UN places the burden of evidence on Iraq. It is guilty until proven innocent).
With at least 15 of the 19 nations of NATO, plus other allies, the US doesn't need any more allies. UN resolutions haven't been met, which would trigger UN sanctioned war.
The only thing left is the next report of UN Inspectors, which isn't expected to report anything new.
I seriously expect war in the next few weeks; maybe even as soon as tomorrow. I would not be surprised if on Tuesday President Bush uses his soap box to explain why the US/British led coaltion have moved in.
I do not savor war. As a younger kid, I once did. I can remember pictures of soliders in desert camo setting up for Operation Desert Shield (the buildup mission before Desert Storm started). One can imagine how army commandos and bombs with pinpoint cameras could be exciting and enthralling to a kid (and it wasn't just kids in the country that were caught up).
Now I'm older, and I know a lot more about how cruel life can be. I expect that when Iraq is invaded, Saddam and company are going to cut loose with every single weapon they have (especially the ones they've denied possessing).
I don't smile when I envision the body count, even if the regime change goes quickly. People are going to die. Lives shall be lost. Souls will go on to judgement.
Still, we are fighting for a good cause. Saddam and his family are hideous people. I wouldn't compare him to Hitler, but he and his sons are quite ruthless people. The cronies and thugs who have supported them despite their attrocities aren't nice people either. People will die in Iraq, but people already have died (and are still dying) due to a destructive ruling party. More people will die if Saddam continues to stockpile weapons (a person like him has shown that he isn't collecting them merely as a bargaining chip-see North Korea, who admits to most of their actions).
I don't think this is about oil. I don't think this is about legacy building. I don't think this is merely a ploy to draw our attention away from more important things.
I think this is about winning a safer life for people all around the world.
It may seem ironic that one interupts peace with war to ensure future peace, but that's what needs to be done now. I believe we will trade a shaky, threatened peace now for a more stable, better protected peace in the future.
Can anyone really argue for that kind of trade?
Pray for our nation and our fighters around the world.
Rather than end somberly, here's a verse I read in church today that has as much impact now as when it was written thousands of years ago (isn't it amazing how often that happens...):
For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up;
A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones together; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to cast away;
A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak.
A time to love, And a time to hate; A time for war, And a time for peace.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Peace may come after war, but it's ultimate arrival is promised.
