Politics: US intervention in Iraq is justified

The US intervention is justified for the following reasons:

1. Self Interest
2. Preservation of the legitimate interests of Iraqis
3. Illegitimate government - implies the Initiation of force by Hussain regime

Its unfortunate that GW Bush is a religious man because it confuses a great many people as to the legitimate reasons for US intervention in Iraq. I'm not a religious man, but it amazes me that any Christian could support the war, if the following statements are to have any meaning.

1. Thou shalt not kill......presumably that extends to Iraqis....turn the other cheek, etc.
2. Thou shalt not judge others...lest the first stone be cast at you. >> All action requires a choice, and thus implies a moral judgement.

Dogma aside, lets get back to reality.

The US is not a charity. It's role is not to preserve the lives of other nation's people's at the expense of its own. It is legitimate for the US to intervene in tyrannical states if the 'rights of any people' are threatened. That's its choice, not its obligation, since the US is no one's slave. Iraq, until the US established democratic institutions, was a brutal autocratic regime. It had gased the Kurds, financed terrorist activities outside Iraq, as well as brutalised its own people.

The US was criticised for only being interested in Iraq because of its oil resources. This is a legitimate strategic interest for the US. It would be understandable if the US did not intervene in countries like Zimbabwe because it has no strategic interest in that country. There is a strong case to be made for diplomatic intervention or sanctions however. Should Iraqis have control of their oil. Only as long as its controlled by good government, supported by a duly elected 'representative' government.

This will not be a short war by any means. Critics of the US will gain support when people realise that this war will not end for years. Why? Because there are too many parties in Iraq and neighbouring countries who will resent any success the US and the new Iraqi executive have. I anticipate that terrorists (or fundamentalists) will continue to mount bomb attacks and the like against the elected government for years to come. In cases, they will retain their 'fundamentalist' tag, but others will become more pragmatic, and will demand protection money in return for not blowing up pipelines. Domestic security forces will patrol pipelines, power stations, refineries, oilfields and other infrastructure, whilst expatriates and 'civil Iraqis' will survive & prosper in secure compounds.

Critics will argue that the US has waged an unwinnable war, but they will have lost sight of the most important issue - Iraqis will be free. Just as Israelis are free, and Palestinians are not. If you think Palestinians are free, venture into the capital city and say you love GW Bush. You will now be able to do that in Iraq. The tides of 'legitimacy' are turning. Notwithstanding the inconsistencies of US foreign policy, the great majority of Iraqis will be grateful for US intervention.