Editorial: Sanctions on Iraq

Sydney
4 August 2002

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Editorial: Sanctions on Iraq

Many Christians have long been concerned about the people of Iraq, particularly the children, who have suffered greatly as a result of the economic sanctions imposed on the country in 1989.

A UNICEF report estimates that by August 1999 half a million under-fives had died and 5,000 more were dying each month. The respected British journal The Lancet was even more specific. It estimated that by 1995, 567,000 children had died as a result of the sanctions.

Now the Pope has added his voice to the many who have long implored the UN, US and Britain to lift the sanctions.

“The sons and daughters of the (Catholic) Church in Iraq, and all the Iraqi people who are being so severely tried by the continuing international embargo, never cease to be present in my thoughts,” said the Pope.

He continued: “I assure all those who are suffering, especially the women, children and elderly, of my prayerful support.”

His voice is being raised at a critical time as the US – possibly with Australian and UK support – is talking about a pre-emptive strike against Iraq, although there is no firm evidence that Iraq was involved with the al Qaeda terrorists responsible for the events of September 11.

This threatened war is deemed unnecessary and cruel by an increasing number of people. In February, the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Sodana, voiced objections to the US threat of military action which saw US President Bush accuse Iraq of being part of an “axis of evil”. Now the Pope has added his voice to that of Cardinal Sodana.

Phrases like “axis of evil” demonise; they make those dying children and their mothers who suffer with them under continuing economic sanctions seem like they are not quite human. And, of course, when people are deemed not quite human, killing them seems not quite so bad.

The concern about Iraq harbouring weapons of mass destruction remains a real concern and one that needs addressing, but war should always be a last – not a first – resort. It is also possible to continue to engage in the on-going diplomatic solution being attempted.

The fact that Iraq chose to respond to Foreign Minister Alexander Downer’s recent sabre-rattling about Iraq by threatening to halve a million-tonne wheat order with Australia shows diplomatic negotiation is possible.

Iraq managed to show its displeasure quite effectively without resorting to violence.