By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Love of country will see us through
Placeholder Image
Following the anthrax scare at the Smith Army Education Center two weeks ago, we were once again reminded of the far-reaching effects of terrorism.
During the past six years, we have undergone some unnatural changes that have forced us into a cumbersome corner.
These days, it’s easy to spread alarm, fear and restlessness in the hearts of Westerners.
We combat this apprehension with preparedness and action, but despite our best attempts, we are now waging a war with a shrouded enemy.
They don’t march in formations and wear uniforms. They don’t represent a particular country. And their lives are expendable in regard to accomplishing a mission.
They are an ugly and sophisticated enemy, and they’ve forced us to question how much of our liberty we have to sacrifice to increase our security.
Does the enemy offer us the reasoning and logic to tap phones, screen emails, to detain suspects in prisons for indefinite amounts of time or to start wars?
This question is as sharp and reactive as a bear trap, and in many respects, it has divided our country.
It’s a complex subject compounded on top of a complex history.
And so, I digress.
Iraq was forged together more than 70 years ago when the British combined the provinces of Basra, Mosul and Baghdad to create the country.
The Brits indirectly ruled, but to appease the Kurds, Shiite and Sunni’s, they put the Hashemite Monarchy in place.
The Hashemite’s were overthrown by the Baathists, and in 1956 (following the introduction of Britian’s Labor Party) the Brits began to pull out of the Middle East.
From 1956-71, we resentfully accepted the keys to this war-torn, totalitarian kingdom, and we sailed in our aircraft carriers and built our forts to begin policing the region.
After 9/11, we greatly expedited our efforts to control the area.
We rushed into Afghanistan, broke up the Taliban and set our sights on Iraq.
From a geographic standpoint, it does make sense to spread our diplomacy to Iraq to keep a better eye on Iran, and to have a Western platform in the heart of this troubled region.
However, we have come to realize the war in Iraq is no game of chess, and we won’t be aware of the outcome of these decisions for another couple of decades.
In light of these confusing times though, I don’t know much, but I do know we should save as much liberty as we can.
Will the terrorists strike again?
Perhaps.
Either way, they have begun a war with our people, and despite our differences, our common love for this country will carry us through this perplexing period.
Sign up for our e-newsletters