Iraq deserves better

June 27 was World Refugee Day, and sadly, for the second year in a row, the number of refugees worldwide has increased. Much of the increase, according to the United Nations agencies that work with displaced people, is due to war begun by the United States in Iraq.

Five million Iraqis have fled their homes, and more than 2 million have left the country seeking safety. The U.S. policy on Iraq has created a humanitarian catastrophe.

It is time for a new course in Iraq, starting with announcing the complete withdrawal of U.S. forces and bases. Military solutions have not worked and will not work to solve a humanitarian crisis. Instead, our government should reinvigorate diplomatic and reconstruction efforts to ensure that funding for humanitarian relief, reconciliation and an Iraqi-led reconstruction will begin to fulfill the needs and hopes of Iraqis.

With that course correction, the United States could play a positive, constructive role in the Middle East and help the lives of millions of people around the world.

— Edward Sacco
Swannanoa

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Webmaster
Mountain Xpress Webmaster Follow me @MXWebTeam

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

One thought on “Iraq deserves better

  1. travelah

    Mr. Sacco, how many lives are you willing to sacrifice with the immediate withdrawal of US forces from Iraq. As for military solutions not working, that does not appear to be supported by the facts. A dangerous despot was removed, a people liberated, a terrorist insurgency well underway to being completely controlled and removed, 15 points of an 18 point Congressional mandate against the Iraq government already met. The list of facts go on and on. The military surge was by all accounts a great success in spite of the insulting and denigrating accusations by Democrats in the House and Senate against our commanders in the field. It is time for the detractors to start facing the facts instead of regurgitating this constant misinformation. Even your candidate, Obama, recognizes (at least in appearance)that doing a cut and run would have disasterous consequences.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.