A Salute to America
The worldwide debate about the war in Iraq will probably go on for years and many are the
explanations for the war. But one thing is certain: Very positive and pioneering things
are likely to come out of the war for Iraq and the Middle East.
One such a positive outcome is that the Iraqi people will soon be free of a dictator who terrorized them for decades. They will not be afraid anymore to speak their mind, criticize their leaders, or discuss their ideas openly. More importantly, they will decide their future for themselves as a people, and not by decrees promulgated by a single thug. This process has already started since every “Saddam” building, square, airport, or street are being renamed. The ever present “Big brother is Watching You” oppression is being lifted.
Another positive development will be the eventual demise of the Saddam-like dictatorial regimes in the Middle East because of a new US foreign policy towards that region. That major policy shift has cast aside pragmatic unprincipled “No-action containment policies” for “Action-based proactive policies”. Appeasement and containment that became the hallmark of US foreign policy in the Middle East have miserably failed to produce an evolution to democracy in the Arab world. On the contrary, they led to radicalism and hatred of America and the West, and eventually to September 11. Democracy, justice, freedom, and human rights lead to stability, peace, and true friendship between peoples and countries.
No one wants war. No one likes war. War brings death and destruction. But we should remember that the people of Iraq have been fighting alone their own war against the terror and oppression of Saddam and his regime. Purge after purge of Iraqi politicians, intellectuals, dissidents, and outspoken activists, compounded by the barbarity and brutality with which these purges were implemented, the use of chemicals weapons against Iraqi civilians who dared say NO to the brutal regime, and the list could go on and on.
The decision of our President and his team to adopt a new policy towards Iraq and the Middle East is a brave and courageous one. It is a quantum leap from the Cold War era of passive appeasement to a new 21st century-oriented proactive combat for democracy and freedoms. Human nature is universal. What is good for Westerners is equally good for the peoples of the Middle East. We all want the same freedoms and quality of life. No one should be denied the right to fight and earn their liberty from tyranny.
We salute our President, our
Government, our Congress, and more importantly our troops who are putting their lives on
the line for the sake of a higher and noble cause. They are continuing the tradition of
their elders whom America sent more than half a century ago to rescue the beleaguered
peoples of Europe and Asia from other tyrannies and dictatorships. May God bless them in
their endeavors and may God Bless America.
Long Live Free Lebanon
New England Americans for Lebanon