Optimist
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Features
    • Book Review
  • Multimedia
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Podcasts
    • Optimist Overtime
    • Top of the Key
  • Police Log
  • Print Edition
  • Projects
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Policies
    • Staff Contacts
    • Jobs
You are here: Home / Opinion / Columns / Column Like I See ‘Em: Iraq not looking to become 51st state

Column Like I See ‘Em: Iraq not looking to become 51st state

March 26, 2003 by Steve Holt

By Steve Holt, Opinion Editor

Many of the anti-war protestors abroad are not outraged primarily by the United States’ willingness to put its soldiers’ and Iraqi lives on the line, but by alleged “American Imperialism.”

While the war debate in the states runs heavily along partisan lines, international protestors are calling the war in Iraq just another display from “America the Bully.”

Two thousand protestors burned American flags and tossed bombs at the United States Consulate in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Saturday. One man’s angry statement told the story of why the protestors assembled.

“As a Brazilian I am worried that one day Bush will want something in Brazil,” said Rafael Goncalves, a 22-year-old graphic designer. “He has already proved that he does not need a reason to take it.”

About 70,000 people rallied against the United States and Britain in Lahore, Pakistan, Sunday.

“The U.S. has already captured Afghanistan. After Iraq, it will attack Saudi Arabia as part of a conspiracy to create Greater Israel,” rally leader Hafiz Hissain Ahmed said. Ahmed’s view is shared by many in Arab nations because of the United States’ close alliance with Israel.

And many Iraqis share the concerns of the Arab world.

These concerns should serve as a challenge to President Bush, who hasn’t missed an opportunity to stress his mission to free the Iraqi people. He shouldn’t look to establish Iraq as the 51st state-its people are not ready to become Americanized.

Iraqis are leery of government-they have been deceived, starved and abused by the Hussein regime. They only want to be free of such a government. When they are ready, and only then, should the United States assist them in rebuilding a new government for Iraq-a government composed of Iraqis and that is reflective of their needs.

When the United States eventually emerges victorious, and the Hussein regime has been decapitated, this country must serve the people for whom this war was fought and named. It must rehabilitate a broken people who have been conditioned by its leader to hate the western world and all it stands for.

And maybe then the United States will earn back the respect of the Arab world.

Filed Under: Columns

Other Opinion:

  • Not-so-friendly competition

  • Sing Song in the Expo Center presents an exciting opportunity

  • Micro-trends are a danger to Gen Z and the planet

About Steve Holt

You are here: Home / Opinion / Columns / Column Like I See ‘Em: Iraq not looking to become 51st state

Other Opinion:

  • Not-so-friendly competition

  • Sing Song in the Expo Center presents an exciting opportunity

  • Micro-trends are a danger to Gen Z and the planet

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Optimist on Twitter

acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
4 May

"Maybe we just don’t care enough. But if we do start caring, and if we become the loudest fans in the WAC, let’s stick to supportive cheering." Read more from Guest Columnist Londyn Gray:
https://acuoptimist.com/2022/04/not-so-friendly-competition/

Reply on Twitter 1521918832738144257 Retweet on Twitter 1521918832738144257 1 Like on Twitter 1521918832738144257 8 Twitter 1521918832738144257
acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
3 May

Royce Clough and Jael Morel have been named as Mr. and Miss ACU for the class of 2022, a traditional honor voted on by the student body and awarded to two members of each graduating class.

Reply on Twitter 1521607087553458178 Retweet on Twitter 1521607087553458178 Like on Twitter 1521607087553458178 18 Twitter 1521607087553458178

Optimist on Facebook

The Optimist

3 months ago

The Optimist
"Maybe we just don’t care enough. But if we do start caring, and if we become the loudest fans in the WAC, let’s stick to supportive cheering." Read more from Guest Columnist Londyn Gray: ... See MoreSee Less

Not-so-friendly competition - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

BY: LONDYN GRAY “Number 18, you look like you don’t shower!” I chuckled and shrugged it off. “Londyn!” They had looked up the roster. “Do you even brush your teeth?” I laughed again, rol...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Optimist

3 months ago

The Optimist
Cullen Auditorium is expected to be handed over to the university in June 2022, alongside a name change that coupled with the renovation will create new future for the Cornerstone class, Chapel and the Department of Theatre. ... See MoreSee Less

Cullen Auditorium still set for a name change alongside renovations - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

Cullen Auditorium is expected to be handed over to the university in June 2022, alongside a name change that coupled with the renovation will create new future for the Cornerstone class, Chapel and th...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Videos

Women’s tournament run ended by first-round exit against UTRGV

The Wildcats’ Western Athletic Conference tournament run and season came to a ... [Read More…]

  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 22. 2022
  • Optimist Newscast 2.16.2022
  • Optimist Newscast 2.9.2022

Latest Photos

  • Home
  • Weekly Ads
  • Classifieds

© 2022 ACU Optimist · All Rights Reserved