Suicidal war against Iraq? [Archives:2002/40/Viewpoint]

There is no doubt that the war against Iraq has become eminent. You may have heard the news of the seven-day ultimatum to be included in the new resolution, which is expected to be out within days. The US, UK-led resolution will give a week for Iraq to agree on the new resolution, which has already been rejected before it was out, unless Iraq steps down once again.
Hence, as the US is preparing for the war one needs to ask, “how on earth will the US handle the possible negative consequences on its own economy if things get out of hand?”
Everyone knows that the US economy is dependent on the oil basins in the Arabian Peninsula and that a war at this time against an Islamic country would probably trigger massive outrage and anger among the public in those countries. It may be a repeat of the demonstrations that took place following the Jenin massacre and which faded away days later. But who guarantees that it would be in such a fashion? Who guarantees that hell would not break loose causing destruction or threats to US interests in the region?
Many Americans have started discussing the possible consequences of attacking Iraq, not on the Arab world or any other country only, but on the American interests as well. The fear of having devastating impact on the economy of the US is already evident in many statements of democrat senators in the US congress.
There is no doubt that the consequences will be hard and direct in the countries of the Arabian Peninsula. But how can such a war affect the US, which is far away in geographical terms?
Some American analysts believe that the US administration is not weighing things right. If attacking a few thousand lightly armed groups in Afghanistan needed such heavy bombings using the most sophisticated weapons with supporting allies on the ground, yet without eventually capturing Osama bin Laden or Mulla Omar, then how on earth will the US forces remove Saddam Hussein from power without an expensive price to pay?
Again, how committed is the US to rebuilding a tarnished Iraq if it will be able to remove its leader from power without heavy casualties? What will the implications of having a pro-US regime neighboring one of the elements of the ‘axis of evil’ without any possible escalation in the future?
These are legitimate questions that Americans as well as the Arab world should be asking. Launching a war is not an easy task, and winning it is even more difficult. Assuming that Iraq had chemical and biological weapons, does the US administration have a plan to avoid the possible use of those weapons against anyone, including the American troops? Is launching the war a risk worth taking even though it will cost billions of US dollars?
It is up to the American people and administration to go for the war, but this is a dangerous game being played, and who knows? Maybe this would be a direct hit at American interests leading to a gradual suicidal attempt that could start with the economy and end with the fall of the super power of the world.
Some American readers may respond by saying, “this is mere nonsense!”
Are they right?
Only time will tell!

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