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Iraq: That's It!
by
Mumtaz Hamid Rao
The World body's Security Council has--eventually--given a near unanimous approval
to the lifting of sanctions on Iraq and the United States and Britain obtained permission to run the
country with its oil riches--perhaps till eternity.
Some countries especially France, Russia, China and Germany had some reservations over the original
draft and they apparently dropped their objections following some so-called concessions by the United
States to pave the way for its approval. However, these insignificant concessions have little
practical relevance as far as aggression, occupation and governance of post-war Iraq are concerned.
These are believed to be only a face saving device for the countries opposing passage of the
resolution, as there are reports that dissenting voices were silenced through different means of
coercion.
France that played a leading role in preventing adoption of the UN resolution that would have given
legal cover to the United States and Britain for their naked aggression against a
defenseless nation,
is already facing US economic, military and diplomatic sanctions as a punishment.
Similarly, Russian President Putin too is trying to mend fences by declaring that he would work with
his US counterpart on all fronts in a bid to repair relations marred by disagreements over Iraq.
It is, therefore, quite understandable that Russian and French support to the latest resolution is
aimed at neutralizing negative effects of their earlier opposition to US designs about Iraq.
Different nations are extending support to the United States and Britain in post-war activities in
Iraq because of the dictates of the ground realities.
However, there is no denying the fact that passage of the resolution for lifting of sanctions and
authorization to the two countries to exploit natural resources of Iraq is nothing but an act to
legalize the aggression.
By conceding them the right to govern Iraq, the resolution in fact endorses the occupation of a
sovereign nation. This is really tragic because the world has extended support to the aggressors
without securing any commitment about the time frame to leave Iraq.
It is ironical that Iraqi people, to whom the oil wealth legitimately belonged, were barred from
exploiting this resource for 13 long years. During this period, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis
especially children and women perished due to non-availability of medicines and malnutrition.
However, the conscience of the world community and especially the United States and Britain did not
prick. Now immediately after occupation of the country, they have managed to do away with the
sanctions. This clearly proves that the war was all about oil and that “might is right” is the order
of the day--as has always been envisioned by the pragmatic world.
So, that's it--an epoch with Lincoln's axiom, 'government by the people, for the people n' of the
people' ends--indexing centuries' old system into the pages of history--opening a new chapter--in the
East India Company style--yet cruising through the pedestal [of United Nations] in place of a Vessel
or Yacht. Its' the Columbus style!
'When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot n' hang on' [Franklin D. Roosevelt]
All the best to you--Mr. Bush, Mr. Blair, the sparkling marines--with the twitchy people of
sanctified soil of Iraq who must have couched the maxim of theorist of his epoch, Coach Don Scula in
their minds:
'Success is not fore-ever and a failure is not fatal'.
The author is a noted journalist, political analyst and ex-Director News Pakistan TV.
Source:
by courtesy & © 2003 Mumtaz Hamid Rao
by the same
author:
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