Best Ever Op-Ed on Iraq

Today's New York Times carries an op-ed by seven soldiers who are currently serving or who have recently returned from serving in Iraq, entitled "The War as We Saw It." This is by far the most well informed and honest opinion piece I have seen on the war.

Christians Who Wage War

From the beginning, the most steadfast supporters of the war in Iraq have been people who identify themselves as Christians. This is a marvel to me. It was Jesus after all who gave up his own life without a fight, and forbade Peter to defend him, saying "He who lives by the sword dies by the sword." It was Jesus who taught "Behold, I send you forth as sheep among the wolves," and "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God."

Those who consider themselves Christians should give some attention to the actual teachings of the Master and less to those who teach in his name. I have seen and heard in public forums numerous perversions of Jesus' teachings using selected quotes taken out of context to justify this war. No honest reading of the teachings of Jesus can justify war on any account, much less an invasion of a foreign land. True Christians, those who follow the teachings of Jesus, would be the last to support any war.

We live in a time of political depravity, when public values and the general behaviour and aspirations of humanity are in decay. Kali yuga they call it in India. So it is no surprise in such a time that demagogues pervert the teachings and very purpose of religion to justify their lust for power, vengeance and war. Those of us who desire a more just world can do little on the macro scale, but we can hold up the truth for others to see, and perhaps by so doing inspire others to do the same. In time a critical mass will be reached and things will begin to change for the better on the macro scale.

Condolences to Andrew Bacevich

Since 9/11 Andrew Bacevich, an officer and a gentleman, has been an outspoken opponent of the neo-con agenda of global domination by military force, the policy of "pre-emptive war" and in particular the war in Iraq. He has taken on this role out of genuine concern for the wellbeing of America and for the U.S. military. It is the ultimate irony that he should lose his son to this war. You can read his lamentation in today's Washington Post.

For those with an interest in learning the evolution of U.S. foreign policy and in particular the use of war as an instrument of that foreign policy, Professor Bacevich's "The New American Militarism: How Americans are Secuced by War" is an essential read.