Author's Note: The debate that follows basically follows the U.S. pulling out or staying. For others in separate countries, you can learn a bit about what your country is doing with the war, if it has any ties.
As Smith Baker looked down upon the bleached white bones sticking out of the sand, he did not shudder. It was strange to him, almost inhuman, not to writhe at the sight of a human life being taken, one of his own. Seeing the remains of his companions stuck with him in this foreign land, though he was alive for now, and they didn't fare so well. He did not shudder. Smith Baker had seen too many dead, and was numb now. Everyone seemed to be numb now. It was only the distant and rare letters from home that made the men's tears flow freely. He looked down at the bones again. And his family wondered why he didn't write. Did they know? Did they know?
Lately, we've had to admit what we had thought earlier not to be true: that the war in Iraq truly did rule our lives. It doesn't matter what country you lay in, or what social status you are. It affects everybody, sweeping through like a great disease.
There is so much standing on this war: billions of dollars worth of money, sweat, blood tears, and the lives of soldiers, the fine line of chaos and a future for a small country. TV seems to be filled with the talk, the news have to devote half the segment every night to this war. The adults are sick with worry, being drawn in like a moth to light with any new tidbit of news. There are many tidbits.
For the younger of us, all we hear are slight catches of the conversation, of the war in Iraq debate. There are some within our age group who think they know what's going on, think they know both sides. Think that whatever news lines they are repeating are the truth. Do you know what's going on in Iraq? Have you formed an opinion, no matter your age? I have put together two different sides of the debate in Iraq, whether to leave, or to stay.
Pulling Out
Many support this argument by saying the most obvious thing first, the one that we all know: we should have never gone into Iraq. We moved in too quickly without really thinking of the consequences, and some say the US' presence has even made it worse
It is not the United States' fight.
The main conflict is between the Shiite and the Sunni. The two Muslim parties in Iraq were on account for many mass murders, killing civilians and each other any way they could. Ruthless. What would benefit from staying? The Army Strong soldiers suicide rate is up fifteen percent, the highest it's ever been.
Billions of dollars have been wasted in this war, with no effect. The billions not going to benefit our own country, the taxpayers paying for no positive result. The Iraq war seems like a no win war. A suicide battle. It's a fight that many doubt we can stop, yet continue losing lives and charging more and more money.
The war can't be won with bullets. It needs to be home grown.
Staying In
"So, we're just going to limp off and give up?"
Would the US leaving really destabilize the already chaotic country? Would pulling out, in fact, taking the some safety that the civilians have, be even worse than staying in the country? Innocents dying every day. Woman and children. It's bad now, but if the United States leaves and has not a scrap of power left to help the country, would it become worse?
In Iraq, it is what is called a failed state. The government is crumbling. The government has no way to control the country, and is being invaded and overthrown more every day by the conflicting Muslim parties. By staying, we are keeping some control and not letting Iraq go to the final tipping point. The 'other' party in Iraq.
For a time, there had been Shiite and Sunni members in the government but when the Sunni began to feel outnumbered and that their voice was not being heard, they all left. Now all that is left are Shiite in the government and have none of the local Sunni support.
If we stay and keep a sliver of peace and safety, however small it is, there is a chance that, little by little, the government would right itself and take control of its country again.
So, what do you think? What side are you on? Post your thoughts and opinions in the BBS. It's not only adults who have minds. We possess thoughts and feelings about these major issues, too, even though we are young. Use that mind. And whether you take a side or not, always remember to be well informed. It will be some of us up there someday, ruling. If we know nothing about our world, what will we do then?
Glitsygrl
