Some thoughts on an important day...

Today mark's the third anniversary of our invasion and occupation of Iraq, which was one of the weakest countries in the middle east before hand and probably certainly so now.

No evidence of weapons of mass desctruction have been found in 3 years, and even our own bi-partisan investigation could not back up our justification for war.

Anyhow, I don't have time or adequate knowledge to completely argue what our real motivations probably are, although I have some ideas, so I'll leave it be.

All I have to say in addition is that I'm currently reading Noam Chomsky's book, Hegemony or Survival, which seems particularly relevant. I suggest you all read it to gain a better understanding not only of what is going on with Iraq, but what we have done in the past century in terms of foreign intervention. It may be an easier read if you have some background in US foreign intervention, but it's not necessary. Read the El Mozote book beforehand to get a little idea of one of our interventions, as it unfortunately represents a broader pattern.

For now, here is a quote that I particularly liked from the Chomsky book. I especially liked the first 2 sentences and last sentence:

“...Those who are seriously interested in understanding the world will adopt the same standards whether they are evaluating their own political and intellectual elites or those of official enemies. One might fairly ask how much would survive this elementary exercise of rationality and honesty.

It should be added that there are occasional departures from the common stance of subordination to power on the part of the educated classes. Some of the most important current illustrations are to be found in two countries whose harsh and repressive regimes have been sustained by US military aid: Turkey and Colombia. In Turkey, prominent writers, journalists, academics, publishers, and others not only protest atrocities and draconian laws but also carry out regular civil disobedience, facing and sometimes enduring severe and prolonged punishment. In Colombia, courageous priests, academics, human rights and union activists, and others face the constant threat of assassination in one of the world’s most violent states. Their actions should elicit humility and shame among their Western counterparts, and would if the truth were not veiled by the intentional ignorance that makes a crucial contribution to ongoing crimes.”

Noam Chomsky
Hegemony or Survival, p49