Is it worth fighting for:

The war in Iraq, there are many questions: Why did it start? Should we still be there? Are we making a difference? What is the fighting for? Is there a right answer for any of these or countless other questions?

Why did it start? We were told that there was a connection between Bin Laden and Iraq. Enough to justify a fighting force? In Afghanistan, no doubt, but what about Iraq?

Should we still be there? Once the truth came out that the evidence was tenuous at best relating to the connections between the attacks in the US and Iraq, it was already to late to back out. War is a major undertaking that should not be taken lightly. What happened? It is important to stabalize the country and government of Iraq before we leave. The United States made the mistake and we need to ask forgiveness for the mistakes made and reparations must be completed before leaving. We are trying to make reparations, but have we admitted the mistake openly and asked for forgiveness from those we hurt, the citizens of Iraq.

Are we making a difference? I have been to Iraq an have seen firsthand the work that is being done there. The progress is slow but the resolve we are showing is teaching the Iraqi citizens that they are not alone in their quest for peace. Yes, the average citizen of Iraq does desire peace. As the desire for peace spreads and the anger for violence increases, the citizens of Iraq are faced with a choice. A choice for retaliation and an escalation of violence, or forgiveness and a desire to make peace happen. Make peace happen, not hope it will happen. We must lead by example and ask for their forgiveness about past mistakes.

What is the fighting for? The entire region is desolate and difficult to live in. Yes there is oil under the sand, but who really benefits from the sale of that oil? Those extracting the oil are not sharing the wealth with the neighbors. Reducing dependence on oil can reduce much of the problem associated with the focus and desire for this part of the world. There are other sources of energy much less environmentally costly than oil. We must be given the opportunity to use some of these alternatives.

Regardless of the inital reasons for the occupation, we should ask forgiveness and remain to complete reparations. We are making a difference, though the progress is slow. Finally, it is important that we push for alternative energy sources to help reduce the stress put on some cultures and damage done to the environment.

Learn more about this author, John Calhoon.
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