IRAQ: opinions from our listeners

Carl Zimmerman, USA 
 

I believe that Saddam Hussein should have a fair but strict trial in his own country and since his capture I now hope Iraq soon reforms into a normal running state and for the bloodshed to lessen until there is no more. Although Saddam had no weapons of mass destruction, he is still a tyrant of his own people causing great suffering and murders since the 1970s and must be punished, especially after all the conflicts he had provoked in his time in office. At least we won’t hear of Iraq being constantly hit by allied forces now that Saddam has been captured, but I am still uneasy about the situation that looms over Iraq now as I was at the beginning of the conflict. The best thing the American troops can do now is to just get out of there altogether. Iraq should be dealt with over discussions by the UN and world leaders and bring about a quick election of a new Iraqi president. No president – no dialogue, no peace, but more bloodshed. 
  
Alastair Pamphilon, U.K. 
 
 
I urge a fair and just trial for Saddam Hussein after his capture. I believe the most fair and just court would be the World Court in the Hague. Abraham Lincoln put it well at the conclusion of the American Civil War, “Malice toward none, Justice for all”. 
  
Mervin Brame, USA 
 
 
I believe the actions of President Bush over the Iraq issue set a dangerous precedent for the future of world peace. It brings a serious question about the ability of the UN to prevent a major war. The most important safeguard to guarantee international security is the authority of the UN and its ability to enforce international agreements. Action must be taken against the world leaders who violate these agreements. 

R.F.Gero, USA 
 
 
I thoroughly agree with presidents Putin, Chirac and Chancellor Schroeder concerning the war in Iraq. The humanitarian situation is critical, and I think an international humanitarian action is imperative. I am horrified by all the suffering on every side, by the anguish suffered by all whose lives have been devastated by this war. I pray for peace and for all who have suffered in this war. 
 
Geoffrey Lund, U.K.  

 
How can the USA suggest that they wish to restore the constitution in Iraq with democracy after destroying its cities? Is this what they call democracy? Washington did not even wish to listen to the United Nations when there was a chance to settle the whole crisis through diplomacy. I had a very unsettled feeling that the USA would repeat the mistakes, which happened back in the 1999 conflict with Yugoslavia, and they have! Stray bombs have hit the borders of Iran, bombs have struck and killed civilians in Basra on a market, a bridge was destroyed with a bus full of civilians leaving the city, which really is a chilling reminder of 1999. Also banned cluster bombs have been used upon the city areas, which makes me wonder if the USA will use their depleted uranium shells again, like they did back in Yugoslavia. Washington is not just destroying Iraq, they are also destroying stability with the Asian and Muslim nations, where there will now be political unrest for decades to come. 

Alastair Pamphilon, U.K. 
 

I am against the war, because it sets a dangerous precedent of unilateral action outside the UN. Also the connection between al Qaeda and Iraq has not been shown. The adventurism of the United States, the U.K., and Australia should be disturbing to all those concerned about a world ruled by international law. It’s hard to believe that the major countries of the world could all be wrong and that the US and its small number of allies are right. 

Martin Gallas, USA   
 
 
Just because the American government is blazing a trail to Baghdad, know that not all Americans are marching in unison with the troops. In fact, record protests are going on daily nationwide! 
 
John Delk, USA 
 
 
I must tell you that most Americans are against the decision to attack Iraq. All the people I know are against the killing of women and children civilians. Our news media reflects the opposite. Our media says that 75 percent of Americans approve of this war. The truth, from my experience, is that 80 percent are against it and 20 percent are afraid to talk about it. This is the most unpopular war ever, and the feeling seems to be worldwide. I love my country and respect other countries, but we, citizens, ought to have the freedom to object to bad decisions made by our arrogant leaders without being labeled traitors. 
 
Dave Crisp, USA 
 
 
I welcome Mr.Ivanov’s diplomatic efforts to restore peace in Iraq. Let us hope civilians will be protected and that active humanitarian aid will be given to them. 

Jacque Augustin, France 
 

I hate anything to do with war, and I do believe that dialogue can overcome most obstacles. I do hope the war in Iraq will end quickly without too much ‘collateral damage’. I also hope that Iraq can be a peaceful society once again. 

David Buckland, U.K.  
 

Just had to write to the Voice of Russia to express my own personal indignation at the events taking place in Iraq and our involvement in it. It’s a war nobody wants, except the hierarchy in the U.S. backed by the oil companies and arms manufacturers. Is this the new world order the former US President Reagan used to talk about? We need a strong Russia to keep the balance. For the first time in my lifetime, schoolchildren left their classrooms up and down the U.K. in protest against the war, so strong is the feeling generally among the public at large. 
The war is going to create more problems than it solves. 

Stuart Patterson, U.K. 

 
I don’t want to see troops from my country die in this awful war in Iraq, and I am among a large percentage of the population of this country who are against what is going on in Iraq. I’ve been a labour voter for most of my adult life, and I will not be voting for Tony Blair at the next election as a result of his going against public opinion in this country and going ahead with the military action. In the years ahead this country will pay a price for the events taking place now. Russia and France will reap the rewards for standing up for what they believe in, both diplomatically and economically, while we’re again at odds with our partners in the European Union, an institution that I support wholeheartedly. This will affect attitudes towards us as unreliable partners in the European family of nations. The current situation is a mess that will take a long time to clean up. Our international standing is damaged, knowing that we have mired ourselves in a Vietnam-style situation that could last for months. I pray that it will end quicker than that, and that the loss of life on both sides is kept to a minimum. 
 
Stephen Frize, U.K. 
 
 
Greetings!  My name is Kenichiro Kira, a citizen of Japan.  I am currently studying at Lincoln Christian Seminary in Lincoln, Illinois, majoring in contemporary theology and philosophy.  The following is my opinion regarding the U.S.-Iraq war. I have been encouraged by your position and your voice of justice, especially by the John Donne’s poem you read on the 20th of March’s program. 
 
Even though we are at war, everything around me in central Illinois is as usual.  Even though people in Iraq are under the rain of bombs, I am eating good food and living in peaceful condition. Little kids are running around me with joyful faces.  And we are talking about Jesus’ love in the churches...  I guess those who can enjoy such a peaceful life, like me, are a minority in the world.  Thinking of this, we need to realize how gracious it is that we can greet each other with “peace”. 
 
In spite of my disappointment and bitter feeling towards George Bush and his supporters, I am trying not to argue with my American friends, since many of them support George Bush and his war campaign against Saddam Hussein.  We can never understand each other.  It is not easy for me to admit this, since most of my American friends are Christians (meaning the followers and disciples of Christ).  Therefore, I have a difficult feeling - emotionally, logically, rationally, religiously, and consciously. 
 
It seems like those who support George Bush believe an illusion that the U.S. can actually promote and establish the so-called “American democracy” in Iraq even though Iraq’s cultural, historical, ethnical, and religious backgrounds are totally different from that of the U.S.  They believe that everybody in the world DOES appreciate the “American Way of Democracy”.  But is that true?  My answer is very much in the negative. 
 
The program of the 20th of March (next day of the war declaration) of the Voice of Russia was very meaningful to me.  At the beginning of the program you read a poem by John Donne (1572-1631), a metaphysical poet in early seventeenth century England. 
 
No man is an Iland [Island], intire [entire] of it selfe [itself]; any man's 
death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde [mankind]; and 
therefore never send to know [never ask] for whom the bell tolls; It tolls 
for thee.  John Donne 
 
I don’t know if those who are “easy-pro-war-people” can hear the bell tolling in Iraq...  I believe people in Moscow DO hear this bell... 
 
I believe Saddam Hussein is an evil man in the way he has made his people terribly suffer.  But I don’t think that he is a threat to the U.S. and to the world at this moment.  As long as Iraq is an independent country, we cannot expect, and we cannot require Iraq to show every weapon they have.  In the same way, the U.S. does not show everything they have.  It is not easy, but this is the reality of the world and this is what we have to admit in diplomatic relations.  Quite honesty, to me, the U.S. has been more of a threat to the world in terms of her diplomatic policy and military power. If the U.S. were not our ally, obviously, no other country would be more a threat than the U.S. to us. 
 
Essentially, I see the following formula in American politics and diplomacy: "Might makes Right and Justice." 
 
Our consciousness and the International Law should not allow one to attack someone just by fear or the possibility of attack yet to happen.  But it seems like those who have great might can justify their actions in the name of their idea of justice... 
 
Let us pray, “For the peace of the world, that a spirit of respect and forbearance may grow among nations and peoples, we pray to you, O Lord, have mercy”. 
 
Kenichiro Kira, USA 
 
 
I have survived all the horrors of the Second World War, and I’ll remember them till the end of my life: starvation, bombings, fires, fear of death, and exhausting work in concentration camps. It seemed that history has left it all behind, though, unfortunately, the current situation resembles the one we had immediately before the Second World War. The United States stops at nothing to gain control over the whole world. Is history repeating itself? 
 
Ms. Hrachovinova, Czech Republic 
 
 
I am really anxious about the American-led Iraqi military campaign. Had Saddam intruded his neighbors’ territories, using prohibited types of weapons, he would have deserved a severe punishment. However, the idea of preventive wars cannot be justified. We do remember what happened in Kosovo a few years ago, when everything was done to justify NATO’s actions. I am happy that the German Chancellor decided to oppose the horrible war against Iraq. 
  
Karl-Heinz Knop, Germany 
 
 
May I take this opportunity to say that I support Russia’s stance on Iraq. There should be no war. 

John Ramsey, U.K. 
 

The world is changing hour by hour. The media here, of course, are all the war, and seemingly there has never before been a conflict that came into our homes with such immediacy and intimacy. It is frightening stuff but will hopefully expose everyday people to the reality and horrors of war, whomever the victims, whomever the parties to the battle for whatever the cause. 

Rich and Carla Phoenix, USA 

 
The US goal is regime change, not only in Iraq, but in all Arab countries. 
The United States wants the oil, and then it will have complete world power. 
The stated Bush policy is the first strike, maybe even with atomic weapons. 
The menace is not Iraq, it’s the United States. 

Rev. John Holman, USA 
 

It’s in the interests of all the nations in the world to act in accordance with the rules of the international community set by the United Nations. We cannot let one country attack another simply because it’s stronger and uses force to achieve its goals. If nobody stops an unlawful attack on another nation without the consent of the UN Security Council, humanity will lose, and that’s going to cost a lot more in the near future than any economic calculation. 

Guy Buytaert, the Netherlands 
 

I believe the UN inspectors in Iraq should have been given all the time they needed to complete their work. I thought they were doing a good job, especially considering the circumstances. It is so distressing to watch the news here and see my country’s tanks and military moving towards Baghdad. I cannot believe that this is happening. In fact, on the evening news, they even include the Iraqi weather report and maps as part of the general weather forecast for the local area. 
The question of the day today that one local TV channel is asking viewers in a poll is “Are you concerned that a war with Iraq will trigger retaliation?” I know I’m concerned, and I’m concerned for the whole world, not just America. It seems the whole world is waiting for what could happen, because nobody knows. Unpredictable and very uncertain. And what a helpless feeling to watch this happen to Iraq and not be able to stop it. The other thoughts I have on this are the possibility of World War III, the potential for terror to be unleashed everywhere, and we’re vulnerable here too, yes. Everyone in the world is vulnerable I think. And this includes the economies of nations as well. Even the USA itself is vulnerable, including its own economy. 

Patty Edwards, USA 
 

Hearty congratulations and a hand-shake to Mr. Vladimir Putin for telling the world that Russia is not taking a back seat in global politics. Thank you for your efforts to prevent Baghdad from becoming Stalingrad number two. 
 
Janko Martin Bystricka and numerous friends in Australia 
 
 
People do not war against each other, but politics does seem to cause problems internationally. Without Stalin, Hitler, and Churchill there may not have been a Second World War. More recent troubles could be avoided too. 
If the world listened a little more to the good sense that comes out of the Kremlin, I’m sure that diplomacy would prevail. In the playground, if two children fall out or fight, the adults encourage the two parties to shake hands and make up, at least they did in my time. It’s a shame that this thinking does not extend into adulthood. 
 
Chris Scott, U.K. 
 
 
I do not believe that we should follow the United States down the road to war with Iraq. I dread to think what the outcome of a conflict will be. I stand firmly against any unjustified attack on Iraq and do believe that Great Britain should be making close and lasting ties to Russia and Europe. 
 
Luke Willis, U.K.  
 

How can it be that one person, together with one government, can make a decision – like, for example, to start a war – which will bring about a wave of violence and destruction in the whole world, which humanity as a whole does not want?.. As if the world belonged to an individual instead of all of us… We’re entitled to this, OUR, bountiful world, to everything that our earth produces. After all these ages of our trying to create a safe and peaceful world, there must be an intelligent way of living together, based on sharing. This is the only way to international, national, and inner peace. 

Marcia van der Zee, Holland 
 

A military action is a horrific mistake, and that could become a certain holocaust for many, many innocent people. The other day I was walking down the street, and I looked up to the sky as I heard a military jet fly over, and I was pondering about how much time would an innocent person actually have to flee from a falling bomb. Of course, I was thinking of the Iraqi people who really will not have time to flee, when the bombs start to fall. 

Ms. Patty Edwards, USA 
 
 
I don’t understand how you can get things better by bombing Baghdad. It’s ordinary people who will suffer and die, politicians very seldom (if ever) get hurt. 
 
Ms. Mieke Bleij, Holland 
 
 
Throughout history governments have sent men to war, and anyone speaking for peace had a difficult time. In the 20th century war came much closer to civilian populations with bombing from the air and more destructive weapons. At present, around the world, there’s opposition to any war with Iraq or North Korea, and public opinion is moving governments to seek peaceful solutions to difficult questions. 
 
William McLeod, New Zealand 
 
 
Today we need the broadest coalition of nations via the United Nations Security Council to defeat the evil of international terrorism, providing that there is maximum cooperation and good will among the civilized nations of this world and that no nation seeks hegemony for itself. The United Nations must be more alert in ensuring that agreed resolutions are implemented. 
 
Alastair Pamphilon, U.K. 
 
 
I feel the United Nations can do quite a lot to prevent new world wars from breaking out, but this is a most difficult task. The world leaders 
(all of them!) should regularly participate in open-minded and honest summit meetings, across frontiers. 
 
Bjorn Tandberg, Norway 
 
 
I will start out with staying I’m an American. I love this country and everything it stands for. I love its way of life and its people. I often agree with its policies and sometimes I do not. I can not believe that killing people who we think might harm us is justified. Simply because you are afraid of them does not give you the right to eliminate them. It’s time perhaps for the United States to realize that there’re a lot of ‘bullies’ on this earth. Eliminating them simply because we are afraid of them is not the answer. Mutual respect, understanding and diplomacy is the answer. 

Mr. Carmen Miranda, USA