I often stop in Bryan Park at the tree dedicated to the victims of the American nuclear bombing of Hiroshima. The plaque concludes with the words, “Remember war, cultivate peace.” These words speak to me. Lies about nuclear weapons in Iraq and the chase after Al Qaeda in Afghanistan have led to the disintegration of Iraq, Syria, Libya, the creation of the Islamic State, and floods of migrants fleeing violence. President Obama caved into pressure, and America’s longest war–14 years in Afghanistan–goes on, the Taliban stronger than ever, and Al Qaeda continues. With the advent of drones, we bomb suspected terrorists in Somalia, Yemen, Pakistan etc; many innocents die.
War is not the answer but is big business for a few U.S. companies. We are the largest maker of weaponry and sell arms to the world. The U.S. just concluded the biggest arms deal ever with a key player in the Syrian conflict: Saudi Arabia.
Let’s cultivate peace and turn to a diplomatic solution. Military action has only made things worse. The talks in Vienna are a good start. Over 18 nations are taking part. Remember, one must bargain with ones enemies as well as with ones friends. Perhaps a cease fire will begin the peace process; then an arms embargo for all government and rebel groups. A UN peacekeeping force can be called in. President Obama may have to lead diplomatic efforts to reach a negotiated end to the civil war in Syria. All the above would slow the flow of migrants and bring some much-needed stability to the Middle East. There is another way!
