U.S. Bombing of Iraq Military Sites

With the latest round of bluster and blunder between Saddam Hussein and George Bush and watching senior senators and congressmen advocate tougher measures to bring Iraq to its knees, I couldn’t help but wonder if we are on the right track to resolving our world problems.

Let me ask a question: Name one instance where an economic embargo has been successful. Can’t think of one? Don’t feel like the Lone Ranger. Now, an easier question: Name several examples of failed economic embargoes. How about Vietnam, Cuba and Iraq? It should be clear now that to ostracize and boycott a country because of its political leadership do nothing but solidify the hold of those leaders and punish the average citizen. We couldn’t bring North Vietnam into line despite massive B-52 attacks and a long war in the south. We have placed an economic embargo on Cuba and after 30 years of hostilities Castro is still in power. What leads us to believe that continued hostilities with Iraq will lead to the dismissal of Saddam? Only the people of Iraq suffer.

Let me make a radical suggestion that has a higher probability of success. In February when President Clinton addresses the U.N. General Assembly, he should announce that the United States will immediately cancel all economic sanctions against Vietnam, Cuba and Iraq. The only exception would be armaments.

What would this accomplish? Well, initially it would open three markets with a total of nearly 100 million new consumers. The citizens of these three countries would realize a higher standard of living. Travel and communications between these countries and the rest of the world would afford the opportunity to see and feel the benefits of open and democratic societies. Our current policies are ineffective and only harm the general populace.

GEORGE PATRICK BOWERS

West Hollywood