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05/12/2004: "Please let the UN run Iraq! (Part 3)"

The National Council of Churches wades into Iraq, again:

We believe, with these things in mind, that the guiding principle of U.S. foreign policy must be to build up the whole, interdependent human family and to promote reconciliation whenever possible. Yes, this means standing firmly against all acts of terror, but it also means envisioning a world in which war is truly a last resort.

How the US and its allies are supposed to do this with people whose abiding wish is simply for Western civilization, Christianity, and Judaism to die, the NCC doesn't say. They also don't say what "standing firmly against all acts of terror" means. Harsh language would no doubt be involved.

Current U.S. foreign policy, however, is not aligned with this principle. Many people see our policy as one based on protection of our country’s economic interests narrowly defined, rather than on principles of human rights and justice that would serve our nation’s interests in deep and tangible ways. We are convinced that current policy is dangerous for America and the world and will only lead to further violence.

The reference to "economic interests narrowly defined" translates as "oil." Alternative translation: "nonsense." And implying that current US policy has no basis in human rights is bizarre, considering the freedoms Iraqis now enjoy (freedom of press, freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, etc.) that they never would have if we'd continued to follow the NCC line on Iraq.

Since the coalition has made such a hash out of Iraq, the NCC graciously offers a solution:

We, therefore, call for a change of course in Iraq, and we encourage you to do the same. Specifically, we are calling upon our country to turn over the transition of authority and post-war reconstruction to the United Nations [surprise!-ed.]–and to recognize U.S. responsibility to contribute to this effort generously through security, economic, and humanitarian support–not only to bring international legitimacy to the effort, but also to foster any chance for lasting peace. We would ask that members of our churches, as they feel appropriate, contact their respective congressional delegations to urge the U.S. to change course in Iraq.

For response, see "Please let the UN run Iraq!" parts 1 & 2 below.