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Hardly a day goes by without our hearing about intense bombing of Iraq as part
of an expanded “War on Terrorism.” Hardly ever do we hear of diplomatic
alternatives. Hans Von Sponeck, who resigned in February 2000 as director of
the United Nation’s humanitarian program in Iraq, lists several efforts
that should be pursued.
Last February Iraq put forward a proposal dealing with all the outstanding issues, such as those involving Kuwait’s damage claims and Iraqi disarmament. The United States and the United Kingdom, the principal advocates of the 111/2 year-old economic sanctions, dismissed this proposal, claiming that bilateral policies have to be sorted out before conducting multilateral talks. Since the US still insists that Saddam Hussein be removed, the US in effect blocks UN talks, in that removal of a head of state would not be part of the UN agenda.
Another effort was an initiative from the Arab Summit last March in which Jordan’s King Abdullah would play a major role. The US has not encouraged this, even though he has already visited Kuwait. Last June, Russia presented a proposal that would involve the return of arms inspectors to Iraq and the lifting of economic sanctions after 60 days. Again the US has not taken this seriously.
While these initiatives remain in the realm of possibility only, the people of Iraq are actually dying. Cynthia Banas of Vernon, NY, has just returned from a month-long visit to Iraq (her second). Conditions remain inhumanly deplorable. Children are dying in the hospitals because the sanctions deny adequate medicines and supplies. A UN report early in 2001 stated that the mortality rate for children under five increased 160% over that of 1990, the highest increase among 188 countries.
Printed statistics are transformed into heart-rending pathos when one sees the children and the parents. Hardly less evocative is the heroism of the hospital staff, who struggle to save life, while also listening to the cries of grief-stricken parents and other family members.
Von Sponeck points out that it is the responsibility of the US and UK to consider diplomatic proposals for the sake of the people. However, whether our Members of Congress will ever listen to voices that call for such efforts remains an open question.
For the text of Von Sponeck’s statement, contact Len Bjorkman (315-492-9042; LenandJudy@acmgfcu.net). To have a visit from our most recent CNY’er to go to Iraq, contact Cynthia Banas (315-853-8927).
To take part in efforts of the CNY Committee to Let Iraqi Children Live, contact
Len or Cynthia or Paul Frazier (315-475-2811;
pfrazier@twcny.rr.com).
—Len Bjorkman