Abstract

Politicizing the War

The author argues that John Kerry, the United Nations, the Iraqi leadership and the U.S. media should resist the pressure to fall into line with the policies of George W. Bush. Many people (mostly Republicans) say (mostly to Democrats) that it's wrong to "politicize" the war in Iraq. But politicizing the war is exactly what should now occur. [I]t seems clear from the President's speech at the Army War College on May 24 that no basic change in US Iraq policy is likely before November 2. On the other hand, the entire direction of American politics is at stake on that day. To point this out is not to be indifferent to the welfare of the people of Iraq. For the shape of their future will also depend chiefly on the outcome of the election. The beginning of realism is to acknowledge that the next step in the President's policy--his promise of "full sovereignty" to Iraq--is a cosmetic operation. The trick for the Administration is to create, for a period of four months, an illusion that American policy is working. In this effort, there are at least four distinct fronts. One is the United Nations. The second front is the political leadership in Iraq, which is under intense pressure by the Administration to play its part. The third front is the American media. A final front is the Administration's Democratic opposition, which is hobbled by Senator John Kerry's own "stay the course" position. [A]ll of them should be aware that to whatever extent they give credence to the charade on June 30, they are above all else assisting in the re-election of the President.