10 years on from Iraq
and still Blair is a free man. No trial, no charge, not even an
arrest. The invasion of Iraq has probably got to be the biggest crime
my country has committed since my birth. Certainly the most straight
forward case of war crimes and breach of international law. How can
we expect people across the world to obey the rule of law when we
flaunt it so frivolously?
And what legacy have we
left Iraq? Some argue that although the motives may have been
dubious, we have removed a tyrant and installed democracy, leaving
the country in a better state than before the invasion. I cannot see
this. I see a corrupt government using the banner of democracy to
hide their wealth accumulation. I see constant sectarian violence
terrorising the innocent and vulnerable. I see a lack of eduction and
jobs. Saddam Hussein was a vicious dictator, few would disagree, I
certainly wouldn't. But, are the normal citizens of Iraq generally
better off now than before the invasion? With the exception of the
Kurds, the evidence seems to suggest, NO.
It was wrong and
immoral to attack and invade Iraq, and the mess we left the country
in is a crime in its self. I do not feel good about belonging to a
country that has committed such terrible acts. To see Blair, among
others, on trial at The Hague, would go some way to addressing the
injustices the Iraqi people have endured. It would also send a clear
message to the international community and discourage any further
abuses. Unfortunately this is unlikely to happen.
It looks quite a
distinct possibility that Iran may be the next victim. Iran is
constantly vilified in the media, and it's true that the regime there
is brutal and oppressive, but they show no physical aggression
towards their neighbours or beyond, they are not a threat to world
peace, not like we, the US and Israel are. Hopefully, with much of
the British population feeling let down by are exploits in Iraq,
public opinion against any involvement in such an act will be strong
enough to dissuade the government in participating. I'm sure the
streets will see unprecedented numbers of protesters if the people
are ignored.