No more war – the Iraqis have suffered enough
They were weakened by a decade of economic sanctions after surviving two wars against Iran in the 1980s and the American-led allies in the 1990s.
Another war must be avoided at all costs. Between 14 and 16 million people (two-thirds of the population) are totally dependent on the monthly food ration distribution. The Oil for Food Programme delivers very little when divided by the 23 million people.
It amounts to $170 per person per year. One-third of the country's children are malnourished. The distribution of food currently functions well, but the whole programme risks being paralysed the minute bombs start to fall.
Before sanctions the Iraqi people enjoyed the best healthcare services in the region and malnutrition was around 3%.
The health status of the population has now fallen to levels equivalent to the poorest countries in Africa. There are hundreds of scenarios of how a war might be waged. Some estimates by reputable thinktanks talk about 10,000 deaths; others speculate ten times that figure.
If war is started bridges, roads, warehouses and power generators will be destroyed. When the electricity goes off, water treatment and sanitation installations will break down, if not already disabled by bombings.
It is estimated that there will be at least a million displaced people and refugees.
Trócaire urges the Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen to remain consistent with his statement to the Dail on Oct 23: "Any decision on action must be taken by the Security Council in full accordance with the charter. It is for the council to assess whether Iraq is co-operating and, if not, what further steps should be taken."
Trócaire is encouraged that the minister has made a clear commitment in this regard and is convinced Ireland can play an important role in ensuring that international law, as represented by the UN charter, will be upheld. It's essential that all peaceful avenues are explored and, if necessary, explored again to ensure that war is avoided.
Justin Kilcullen,
Director,
Trócaire,
Maynooth,
Co Kildare.
