The War Continues

Today seemed to be a signifcant day in the ongoing war in Iraq.

A rocket attack on the hotel in Baghdad. A Lebanese leader stating that he hoped next time they would get Wolfowitz. Critics of Mr. Bush using the incident to add to their criticism of his policies.

They bombed the headquarters of the International Red Cross. They are killing those who have historically been the helpers and comforters. It is clear that the terrorists in Iraq do not want help or to have the pain of the people eased.

No. The issues and death are not going away. I am not willing to lay blame on George W's doorstep. Nor am I willing to say that the some of the problem isn't of our own long-term making back in the mists of the past few decades. I don't believe that we can just pull out tomorrow as if nothing has happened. I am afraid that our staying any longer than we have to will only inflame the passions. I am deeply saddened and worried by what I see happening. I am worried for our men and women- military, NGO, volunteers, etc.- who are over there in harm's way.

You cannot defeat terrorists with pacifism or logic. You cannot win the hearts and minds of people whose hearts and minds are firmly set against you. You cannot negotiate with people who see you as nothing less than Evil Incarnate and Apostasy in Flesh and Blood.

That leaves us stuck. In a quandry, although not a quagmire. How do we provide for the best we can give to the Iraqi people while being systematically attacked by those who would want them to remain in the Middle Ages morality and dictatorial subservience they have been in? How do we show the people- and the world in general- that we are not the mean ogres some have made us out to be? That a willingness to work together can give all of us a better world?

Everything I read from the troops over there would indicate that they are doing an excellent job in a difficult if not impossible task. They are holding up well and making all of us proud of them as our sons and daughters. War is hell. War sucks. May we continue to pray for the right answers for all involved, for protection for all people in the combat zone- innocent bystanders and soldiers. May we as a nation continue to maintain the high moral understanding of our role and place in all of this. War can turn anyone into something they don't want to be. May we all be protected and learn again the ways to maintain our freedom, democracy, and ability to stand and talk and support each other as a nation.

I have no easy answers or quick solutions. There are none. The true answer and most promising for all is for us to maintain our dignity and intergrity in these difficult times. It is for us to remain true to our values and hopes for all people. We often have difficulties living this way. After all we are human and live in a less than perfect world. But we must not allow the ways of war to become our only ways.