LETTER: Think twice, no joke

Editor,

People are thinking about and supporting going to war in Iraq. There are a few aspects that need to be considered. One is that in case the United States attacks Iraq, most Arab nations are likely to not support the United States anymore. Additionally, attacking Iraq will surely lead to an increase of hate against Americans and American institutions worldwide.

I am not saying that Saddam Hussein is not a dictator, ridiculing U.N. sanctions. My point is that before going and attacking Iraq, there needs to be support within the area and especially among the Arab people. Another aspect to be considered is the succession of Saddam Hussein. Who is going to lead that country?

If you think Saddam Hussein is torturing his people, you are right. If you think it is a reason to attack Iraq, kill Saddam, and institute another government, then why have the following things not happened? Attack the Sudan and Somalia, because there, terrorists are trained. Attack Angola, because Mugabe is torturing his own people. The list is long.

There are many places in the world where justice as we define it is not happening. Does it give us the right to institute our own values and beliefs on those people? Are we sure they really want it?

Silke Pierson