Iraq
and Beyond.
by Steven Shamrak. 17/03/03
Most people and anti-war activists believe that the
main motivation for war is oil. They forgot that eleven years ago the USA could
easily justify the take over of Iraqi oil fields. They did not do in spite of environmental
terrorism performed by Iraq (burning Kuwaiti’s oil wells, spilling oil into the
sea).
Issues like human rights, support of terrorism and
use of chemical weapons can be used as a reason behind the war efforts against
Iraq. At the same time, cynics focus on the Arab-Israel conflict and American
imperialism. There are even some “bright people” who imply that even an
assassination attempt on Bush’s father is the reason for this war.
In my opinion one very important reason is being
forgotten lately -15 out of 19 highjackers were Saudi Arabian citizens. Saudi
Arabia is actively engaged in financial and logistical support of terrorism
worldwide.
The war against Iraq could be considered as a warning
for Saudi Arabia and the other Muslim countries, practicing Wahabism (extremist
teaching of Muslim expansionism). At the moment, due to a special religious and
economic status, America is not prepared to attack Saudi Arabia. It is
important to give the lesson! But, even more important that the lesson is learned.
Unfortunately, again and again mixed signals are sent
out. Israel has nothing to do with September 11 and war in Iraq. In spite of
that, both US President Bush and Australian Prime Minister Howard linked the
Arab-Israel conflict with war in Iraq in their speeches.
After the first war with Iraq, Israel was under
tremendous pressure to make concessions to Arabs and was, unjustifiably, forced
to accelerate the Oslo agreement. As a result thousands were killed and wounded
on both sides and the situation in Israel is now grim, worse than twelve years
ago. We must say: “No more assaults on Israel’s independence! Jews have the
right to live on their ancestral land!”