The Case Against War With Iraq

Addressing troops at Ft. Hood, Texas, President Bush warned, “The Iraqi regime is a grave threat to the United States.” The drums of war are beating loudly for an attack on Iraq. The reserves have been called up. Carrier battle groups are in place. The U.S. is anticipating an 18-month occupation that will involve “a heavy American military presence and a quick takeover of Iraqi oil fields.” Beyond the rhetoric and gunship diplomacy, Bush has not made the case that a major invasion of Iraq is necessary. Historian and longtime peace activist Howard Zinn says, “A war against Iraq has no logical connection to the tragic events of 9/11. We have a right to wonder if the motive for war is not stopping terrorism but expanding U.S. power and controlling Mideast oil.”