Five years ago the United States of America invaded Iraq. This was not sanctioned by the United Nations, and was opposed by many, many nations in the world. But because the USA is the strongest nation on earth it can do as it likes - so George Bush ignored world opinion, and unleased untold misery on the Iraqi people: so far it is estimated that 80 000 civilians have died. The USA does not keep official figures, and this estimate is probably much higher. The USA does keep figures of the deaths of American soldiers, which are just under 4 000.
Even more troubling is the way one bad decision has unleashed so many more bad possibilities:
- The Times of London reportes that it is estimated that this war has cost $400 billion.... imagine how useful this could have been in healthcare, building houses or educating people.
- The abuse by the US troops at the Abu Ghraib prison has fuelled an equally vicious response towards prisoners captured by the militant insurgents.
- Muslim and Christin people have been severly polarised.
And the end is not yet in sight. No one pretends anymore that life will return to normal anytime soon. And the worst of it is that George Bush refuses to admit to making a mistake. Even more appalling is the fact that he suggests that God is somehow on the side of the USA.
God is weeping.
1 comment:
That picture... says more than any words...
God is indeed weeping... but I can't lose hope (and know God hasn't either) that someday, our tears will be dried and we will discover a way of peace that doesn't mean bigger guns and more lives lost. That day may be far away an seemingly impossible to see today, but I can't stop praying for that day to be sooner, rather than later. May we continue to work and pray together that it may even be in my lifetime...
Post a Comment