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| Sunday, 23 March 2003 |
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Still another war for peace? by FACTOTUM Thickening clouds and thin rain at sundown seemed the perfect setting for that get-together on Wednesday when the Public Affairs Officer of the Embassy of the US and his spouse welcomed graciously media personnel at their residence to be introduced to the newly appointed Information Specialist amidst speculation that the invasion of Iraq was only a few hours away and that was significant enough for such a shindig. But that was soon swept away as a mere coincidence although the partying participants were bent on learning from one another the latest thinking and reactions to what was plain to most - that the call for Iraqi President to leave his country would not be heeded and the resultant movement of troops to Iraqi territory was only hours away. When information was solicited that was readily given in a spirit of give and take and bonhomie, as is common on occasions such as this. There was agreement on one score - that the heat should subside in a short time minimising the misery that war entails and non combatants spared the horrors of attacks. If mounting opposition to direct intervention was manifest this was to be discounted in the face of defiance displayed by the regime in Baghdad. As the guests shuffled out the question uppermost was not 'if' but 'when' the tragic drama would unfold. And unfold it has. Early reports indicate that oil prices have tumbled as dealers expect swift US victory ensuring supplies would not be disrupted. Conversely then if the conflict continues beyond those bounds that are predicted then the scenario is sure to change. Early benefits may then be squandered away. Allied forces made short shrift of ridding Kuwait of the invader in 1991 when in 100 hours they called it a day. But this time round the battle rages in 'enemy' country with most former allies now keeping away, some watching the engagement helplessly, others sadly, and still others scornfully. It is too early to speculate on the post-war scenario though certainly there would be a huge sense of relief when this confrontation is resolved and reparations are set in place. If those structures that were set up to ensure a multi-polar world have now been shaken if not shattered then new structures would have to be set up to ensure that conflicts are resolved obviating recourse to hot war. If negotiations in Far East Hakone, Japan have just concluded, away from the glare of world attention in the wake of the invasion of Iraq, that was understandably so. Reports indicate that despite the gloom that pervaded the air at the inception progress has been made and the two parties have moved forward having gainfully negotiated more deals, to resolve the conflict. That could well be a pointer to those warring parties in the Middle East.
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