OPINION: Commemorating First Anniversary of September 11th Tragedy

"Dear Mr. Bush: War With Iraq Will Not Quench Bloodlust, Nor Avenge September 11th"

The Best 'Vengeance' is Peace, Prosperity, and Freedom for All

By Adam Abraham

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (September 11, 2002)--Exactly one year after the most horrific single terrorist act in U.S. history, the world begins what will surely become an annual ritual of remembrance. Even with six billion inhabitants on this planet, it is almost inconceivable that you could find any significant group of people for which the words "September 11th" has little meaning. So far-reaching was the impact of that day's events around the world, that they have been distilled down in reference to the date, or its numeric symbols. Just say the date or simply, "9/11" and just about anyone that you talk to will know what you're talking about. Say the date, and feelings will stir from deep within. The salient question of the moment--one scant year after the fact--is "Where do we go from here?"

Where indeed has the world gone in the wake of the events of September 11, 2001? Is it toward a safer, better space? Or does the tragedy represent the "first domino" in a chain of even more sorrowful events? It is important that we look ahead with reasoned, instead of vengeful eyes.

One year after the 9/11 tragedy it seems that we've gone in both directions. In his zeal to solidify political strength in the name of justice, President Bush has declared a "War on Terrorism." In so doing, he has also stoked the flames of national pride on one hand, and prejudice--against American unilateralism--on the other. Intent on avenging the deaths of over 3,000 people--from over 60 countries--who perished on that fateful day, he deployed troops to Afghanistan to "kick Al Qaeda's ass" and bring back the head of Osama bin Laden, the alleged mastermind of the terrorist operation. While in Afghanistan, U.S.-led troops overthrew the Taliban, the religious sect that had ruled the Afghani people with a repressive, misogynistic hand. But it's now 365 days and counting, and in spite of intensive searches through the wilderness and caves of that barren country, Mr. bin Laden has still "been missin.'"

His bloodlust unquenched, his trigger finger still twitching, and his aim set, Mr. Bush continues the push for retribution, vowing to root out the "axis of evil" that brought about the events of 9/11. His attention is currently directed at Iraq, a country of roughly 23 million people. Its leader, Saddam Hussein, is believed--according to U.S. intelligence sources--to be amassing "weapons of mass destruction." The United States of America, which already has such weapons and has used them (1945, against Japan), is apparently so fearful of Iraq gaining such capability that Mr. Bush has made public his desire to invade the country and overthrow the government. He wants to destroy any chemical weapon production capability in Iraq and remove the Hussein regime. "Removing the Hussein regime," by Bush administration officials' own admission, means "taking out" or killing Saddam Hussein. Yet, the same officials emphatically state that President Bush is for "peace."

 

I mirror and amplify the President's interest in peace. However, we part company with respect to the best way of achievement. Peace cannot come through the barrel of a gun, the dropping of bombs, or in the continued inclination to do so, even while attempting to "root out evil doers." The Bush Administration's eagerness to wage war, possessing far greater fire and killing power than our adversary will ever amass, tends to make valid the question of who is actually being "evil" here? At the very least, the President should demonstrate some anguish and reservation over the specter of annihilating an overmatched opponent. He should let Iraq, the Middle East, and the world know that, while we don't fear it, the U.S. abhors and renounces destructive practice in all forms--terrorism and war included--and will not use such practice as its lead policy. This gesture alone would immediately diffuse some of the tensions that are running rampant around the world.

I believe that peace is possible. Yet, it is particularly timely to question whose shoulder evil sits on when you consider that as an official policy, the U.S. is attempting to overthrow another sovereign nation on belief of a weapons capability that Iraq has never used against us, even when they had a chance during the Persian Gulf War. We need to make the distinction between our cause and way, and the cause and way of terrorists. We can't be "right" in seeking to destroy others, but think that others are "wrong" in seeking to destroy us. Changing our thinking in this regard doesn't require reducing our resolve for justice one iota. At issue is the way we go about getting it, and how much damage is caused. At present, all administration arguments for taking down Saddam Hussein sound specious at best, if not outright dishonest.

Iraq has used nerve gas in warfare; against Kurdish people during the Iran-Iraq war in the early 1990's. This is one of the factors that pro-"thrash Iraq" factions have cited in their efforts to gain support for war. However, this doesn't make Iraq a threat to the U.S. In fact, if it weren't for Saddam Hussein being the "greater evil dujour," we might be planning to go after the Kurdish people (and others) for their practice of "honor killing" the women of their families who elect to follow the designs of their own mind and heart that may differ from "accepted cultural practice." Suicide bombings can't be a big leap of logic for people who sanction such insanity. But that doesn't justify making a unilateral attack on Iraq.

The only "promise" that Iraq has made in response to a possible U.S. attack, is that it would retaliate. Unlike terrorist organizations, such as Hamas (the Islamic Resistance Movement) that have claimed responsibility for suicide bombings in Israel, Saddam Hussein has not publicly expressed any intent to attack the U.S. This is not to say that he doesn't really want to do it, but his silence is in stark contrast to the very "public" public opinion campaign currently being waged by the Bush administration.

The Bush administration's efforts to "build a case" to justify attacking Iraq belies the President's stated commitment to peace. The President is, in essence and truth, trying to find a way to justify waging yet another war against a mere "wisp" of an opponent. Iraq is so overmatched economically and militarily that we are being lulled into a false sense of security that we can "win" a war there--with no concern about innocent Iraqi people--without any or many casualties of our own. However, the real force that we must be prepared to withstand, is that of our own fear. If peace is truly sought, a man and nation of peace takes all innocent people into consideration, and lead with peaceful ways to get what it seeks.

Some political and military pundits believe that justice is more important than peace. They believe that justice means bringing down all who were responsible for that horrific tragedy. Yet, the true solution is not in bringing an enemy down; it lies in extending our hands and hearts, and helping them lift themselves up to a new level of human living and being. Instead of representing a deadly threat, the U.S. should offer rays of hope and upliftment to those who, if we are to believe the press releases, are delusional enough to think they can destroy us. As Americans, we must know better. Our peace cannot be destroyed by any outside force. Yet it can be eroded if we are guided by fear. If we find our peace within that knowing, justice will have begun.

Expand and Amplify Your Voice

If these ideas resonate with that of your mind and heart, please voice your support for them through your online purchases, and by telling others -- including bookstores, giftshops, and all who are dedicated to harmless change -- about this work. Adam Abraham is author of I Am My Body, NOT!, A Freed Man: An Emancipation Proclamation (Release Pending), Love Proclamations™ and other works. More of his essays can be read online at Interracial Voice (www.interracialvoice.com).

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