By Staff
One day there will be peace in the Middle East. We speak particularly about Iraq in future days and without Saddam. The country might be torn apart, and it might be both wise and absolutely necessary to establish a semi-military rule to help Western democracy over the hump. Regardless of all else, whatever government is eventually installed there, it will by nature and the human touch have that pro-Western tag attached to it. We can be sure of that.
In recent days, President Bush seems to be thinking more and more about Iraq when peace is with us again. To say that a Western democracy will not work in Iraq is to discount the surety of American ability to govern. There might be many people there with different ideas, but it will be America in the saddle.
Much talk has been made about paying for the reconstruction of Iraq. Surely, that is and should be a big consideration. But Iraq is oil rich, and there seems to be no reason that we know why oil money cannot play its full part. Only a fool will say that the job will be easy. After the war with many different religious groups to consider and with other countries, particular neighboring ones, to consider, the job is bound to be man-sized.
After World War II, the USA played a big role in re-establishing government in Japan and Germany, too. Regardless of all else, Uncle Sam will not tolerate much foolishness. Whatever it takes, tough military rule or a type of democratic dictatorship, the need will be fulfilled. After WWII in Japan, Gen. Douglas MacArthur ran a government, helped establish a national economy, and he was a strong man in a position where strength was required. He transformed Japanese society as well as its economy.
While we today cannot put our finger on just what President Bush has in mind, we can be sure that a plan has been laid out carefully. In his plan, we must agree that comparing Iraq with Japan is hardly practical.
Recently, we read about the talk of a Bush plan with the U.S. military there to preserve order while the normal government functions will be taken care of through civil government agencies. In a practical sense, it is pointed out that war with Iraq can be summed up at its conclusion in one word – chaos. If that be true, then there is not merely the big job of governing people, but lifting a country out of that chaotic pit. Is the United States capable of doing the job? The question might be asked quietly, but it well might be on many minds. It is likely to be a back-breaking enterprise.
Regardless of all else, Uncle Sam will not turn his back on those rich oil fields which make Iraq a very rich nation. That oil can be made to flow more abundantly and thus bring in needed cash.
Again, before we talk of what to do when peace comes, we first must think of winning the war.