American brutality in Iraq continues to soar at an unprecedented rate. From Abu Ghraib to Haditha, and now the gang rape of an Iraqi girl, believed to be of only 14 years of age, while burning her family alive. Is there any semblance of morality left in the hearts and minds of people today? What possibly could a 14-year-old girl have done to deserve such a brutal end to her short life? Nothing justifies this heinous, cowardly act of cruelty.
From an American perspective, the recent brutalities reflect the frustration and hopelessness US soldiers are facing on the ground. From car bombs to improvised explosive devices (IED’s) to shadowy guerilla warfare, US soldiers are facing the impossible situation of bringing order to a country while occupying it. Hence, the soldiers are employing methods similar to those carried out during the Vietnam War. Does frustration, however, warrant the purposeful annihilation of innocent civilians? I would respectfully disagree.
Canada, as the upholder of civil rights and a model peacekeeping nation should stand up and speak out against the atrocities being committed in Iraq. Granted our conservative government may agree with the Bush agenda more than it might disagree, but such a case qualifies as a universal offence that should be strongly condemned.
From a women’s rights perspective Canadian foreign policy dictates that the protection and advancement of women's human rights remains a central foreign policy priority. Canada also has a strong legacy when it comes to the protection of civilians during armed conflicts. It is time for the Canadian government to stand up for its principles and take an active role in condemning the actions of US soldiers in Iraq rather than being just another American lapdog.
Copyright Aurangzeb Qureshi 2006
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