03/18/06 Wisconsin State Journal: OPINION

Saturday, March 18, 2006

Staying won't prevent civil war in Iraq

The Journal editorial opposing the advisory referendum for immediate withdrawal claims that Iraq is on the "brink of civil war" and that is why we must remain. I agree that Iraq is on the brink of civil war, but I cannot comprehend how our military presence is going to reverse that when so far it has failed to prevent violence among its people. Our presence and actions there have more likely exacerbated tensions and promoted violence.

The Journal admitted that the Bush administration has made serious mistakes both in invading Iraq and in its strategy since. Yet without offering any signs for hope that the administration will do better, you argue we should continue to trust the lives of our fellow citizens serving in Iraq to that administration. Why?

How much patience do we allow an administration that scarcely admits a mistake and even less frequently rectifies one? Furthermore, how dare we presume that we have the right to counter civil unrest in another country using military force?

I understand the impulse to want to help undo the devastation we caused Iraq, but our administration clearly has other priorities, ones that have more to do with war-profiteering and economic domination than compassion or respect for human life.

-- Briana Nestler, Madison