The other approach to the problem 2003

The U.S. is at it again. Trying to solve problems the only way this administration (and indeed most U.S. administrations) know how, with a hammer. That's not the only way.

Explosions, shortages, instability: In Baghdad, it's back to the future

While there is trouble in central and northern Iraq, Basra and its hinterland in the south of the country is in relative peace, with the beginnings of a civic society, and tolerance towards the British occupiers.

In the daily reports of conflict, the British have become the forgotten army. And news of the Americans unleashing their ferocious firepower on the cities is greeted with raised eyebrows. Washington, twice, asked for British soldiers, paratroopers to be sent to Baghdad, and twice has been refused.

One young British soldier said yesterday: " Look, we are not here to fight a war now, I thought that was finished. The Yanks are fighting a war again, but we should not go down that path. I am very, very sorry for the kids getting killed, but we don't have to get involved."

Now I realize the circumstances in Baghdad make it much harder to effect peace, but not that much harder.

The fundamental problem is that our government and the powerful in this country (corporations and the media) profit from fear, uncertainty and doubt. War is good for business.

We have to change that. We have to make it too costly and we have to make clearer the profitability of peace. It's time to replace the constant barrage of FUD with curiousity, respect and trust.

Comments

The other approach to the problem

The U.S. is at it again. Trying to solve problems the only way this administration (and indeed most U.S. administrations) know how, with a hammer. That's not the only way.

Explosions, shortages, instability: In Baghdad, it's back to the future

While there is trouble in central and northern Iraq, Basra and its hinterland in the south of the country is in relative peace, with the beginnings of a civic society, and tolerance towards the British occupiers.

In the daily reports of conflict, the British have become the forgotten army. And news of the Americans unleashing their ferocious firepower on the cities is greeted with raised eyebrows. Washington, twice, asked for British soldiers, paratroopers to be sent to Baghdad, and twice has been refused.

One young British soldier said yesterday: " Look, we are not here to fight a war now, I thought that was finished. The Yanks are fighting a war again, but we should not go down that path. I am very, very sorry for the kids getting killed, but we don't have to get involved."

Now I realize the circumstances in Baghdad make it much harder to effect peace, but not that much harder.

The fundamental problem is that our government and the powerful in this country (corporations and the media) profit from fear, uncertainty and doubt. War is good for business.

We have to change that. We have to make it too costly and we have to make clearer the profitability of peace. It's time to replace the constant barrage of FUD with curiousity, respect and trust.

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