As can be seen from the recent war in Iraq, the
world is a dangerous place and the ideas of peace in our time are really
more illusion than reality. However, there is hope that the world's leaders
will demonstrate the wisdom that is asked of them and that all efforts will
be genuinely made in order to achieve freedom, peace, and prosperity among
all the world's people.
Now that the fighting in Iraq is ending, the peace process is only slowly
beginning. Currently, there is a vacuum of political power while the
government is in transition from Saddam Hussein's Ba'athist regime to a new
(hopefully) democratic regime. Watching CNN the other night, I noticed a
speech being given by an Iraqi, calling for cooperation between the U.S.
efforts and the Iraqi efforts. The speaker told the Iraqis that if they
wanted their freedom and democracy, they needed to be vigilant about it. The
most moving part of this situation is the Iraqis who shed tears--not of
sorrow, but of hope. The next few years will be very pivotal in the world.
Let's hope the western powers don't manipulate the fate of the Iraqis like
two bickering divorced parents fighting over their children.
North Korea has recently changed its stance on its talks with the United
States over the issue of its nuclear weapons program. Kim Jong Il has said
that he would move into multi-lateral talks, although he is still spiteful
of the United States. Most believe that this change of heart has come from
pressure applied by China and Russia. At least in this situation, these two
struggling countries recognize the regional threat and are willing to work
with the U.S. to neutralize it.
Israelis and Palestinians are merging onto a road to peace. With the
elections of the new Palestinian prime minister and a reduction in power of
Yassir Arafat, it looks like the first time in a long time that Palestinian
peace might have a chance. However, President Bush will need to be sincere
in his promise to push for peace; otherwise, the whole plan will fall apart.
Now that America is finished with the Iraqi fighting, it is time for
President Bush the War Planner to become President Bush the Peace Planner. I
know that I, a pro-war supporter and demonstrator, am weary of conflict and
hearing about it every minute on CNN. Syria has been spoken about in the
media, accused of having chemical weapons and supporting terrorism,
including harboring Iraqi officials. I sincerely hope that Bush does not
drag the American public into another war. As the summer approaches, I hope
everyone can relax and have a good break from the rigors of school, work,
and even home life. When we reunite again next semester, hopefully the world
will be in a much better situation.
Thank you for reading my work, and I hope to be writing to you again next
year.
-----
Andrew Lent is Whim's resident political columnist.
Responses:
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Name: Berkley Pritchett
Year: Sophmore
Major: Journalism
Comments:
Great article Andrew. I too hope the world moves more toward peace during the summer. But the war on terrorism has no traditional end-in-site. The West will be involved in this conflict for sometime. I just hope that at sometime the conflict will resolve itself so future generations will not have to sacrifice lives.
Name: Nick
Comments:
I too, hope you will be working with us next year. Great article Andrew.
Name: Greg
Comments:
It's good to hear of peace in the world. =)
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Andrew Lent | Staff Writer