Violence,
in general, is deeply disturbing. Random, senseless violence—taking the lives
of innocents—is particularly troubling. Events in Paris, in which 129 people were
murdered, therefore, have ricocheted wildly through our body politic, sparking
fear, revulsion and heightened Islamophobia.
We’ve
seen everything from governors attempting to block even thoroughly vetted Syrian
refugees from being settled in their states, to calls for all out warfare and dramatic
increases in military spending, troop levels and more. We’ve had presidential
candidates calling for the registration of all Muslims, the closing of Mosques,
and even applying a religious test, requiring Christian identity, to qualify
for refugee status.
If
you’re experiencing a sinking feeling of déjà vu all over again, you are not
alone. We saw our fellow citizens stampeded into supporting disastrous wars in
both Afghanistan and Iraq in the wake of 9/11. Neither of these wars, nor the
numerous other U.S. wars in primarily Muslim nations (Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen,
Libya, Syria, etc.) have enhanced our security. In fact, they’ve served to
create far more enemies than they’ve eliminated. They’ve led to massive loss of
life, primarily non-combatant civilians. They’ve dislocated millions, while
thoroughly destabilizing one of the most geopolitically strategic and volatile
regions in the world. And they’ve been phenomenally expensive.
Even
though the chance of dying in a domestic terror incident is infinitesimal, the
need to prevent such acts has been used as a rationale legitimating a
surveillance state that has resulted in unprecedented intrusions into every
citizen’s privacy. And incredibly, the Right simultaneously bores down on
so-called “Islamic Terrorism,” while opposing even the most modest gun safety
initiatives, so all any aspiring terrorist—be they Muslim, Christian or what
have you—seeking guns need do is visit a gun show.
While
the self-proclaimed “Islamic State” would not be in existence if not for the
U.S. invasion of Iraq, many on the Right blame President Obama for ISIS. They
propose major escalation of the war, including sending in ground troops. Those
with one tool, a hammer, view every situation we face, no matter how complex,
as another nail.
More
war will mean more death, more destruction, more fear and more enemies. Bombing
ISIS sites in Iraq and Syria has been a grand game of Whack-A-Mole, with more
“collateral damage” than actual attainment of objectives. Anyone thinking our
nation can assume the moral high ground need only consider for a moment that,
according to official documents, as reported in The Intercept, so-called “targeted killing” by drones in
Afghanistan ends up killing people other than the intended target nearly 90
percent of the time.
Some
might assert that “terrorists” intend to killing innocents, while the U.S. CIA
and military end up doing so accidentally. The distinction loses much of its
meaning, however, when U.S. officials know that their actions are regularly
killing non-combatants, including women, children and the elderly, yet they
continue to drop bombs from on high. While images of the victims of terror
attacks in Paris are more readily seen, those dying in places like Yemen,
Somalia or Pakistan are no less dead, and their loved ones no less bereft.
Most
Americans want a peaceful future. What we need to recognize is that
exterminating an enemy is not a path to peace. Belligerence toward Muslims is
certainly not an answer. The vast majority of Muslims are peaceful, kind and
caring humans who, in my experience, are hospitable and welcoming. While there
are violent extremists, the same is true for Christians, Jews, Hindus, etc.
When we demonize Islam, and when our government intervenes in Muslim counties,
we drive recruits to the jihadis.
We
have a choice. Extend and expand the permanent war and the Military-Industrial
Complex will thrive, while millions suffer the agony and dislocation of war.
End the pursuit of geopolitical domination and pursue instead a ratcheting down
of conflict through negotiations, arms embargos and sustainable development
programs, and we will have a chance at a peaceful future.
Please
consider that the Syrian conflict would never have reached the point we’re at
today, were it not for the U.S. insistence, back in 2012, to exclude the
Iranians from negotiations and to make the exit of Assad an à priori condition
for talks. Let’s learn from these mistakes and pursue peace rather than power.
And
part of manifesting peace is creating a vibrant peace economy at home. Looking
at our current political reality, perhaps the greatest irony we face is that
those most eager to see more money and resources devoted to weapons, militarism
and making war, are also those likely most reluctant to adequately fund
investments in real security.
Real
Security includes protecting our climate and the balances of nature that make
planet Earth habitable. The biggest cheerleaders for war also generally oppose
investing in people, providing livable wages to all workers, making quality
education freely available to all, assuring healthcare for everyone, etc. They
obviously do not recognize that a clean, sustainable environment and a strong,
healthy and well educated population are our greatest strengths. If we prudently
invest the funds saved by turning away from war, we can address serious threats
to our security, and this will be a true win-win.
This post was written by Peaceworks Director Mark Haim.
This post was written by Peaceworks Director Mark Haim.
