Andy Borgmann's Blog

As we speak, I am watching the joint press conference between Bush and Blair. Bush has just made the comment that (and I am paraphrasing) that the insurgents in Iraq don't fight a conventional war and don't play by the rules. It was at this moment I wanted Bush to turn to Blair and say, "just like we did 225 years ago against the British."

Before I get further into this conversation, I need to give the disclaimer that I am a supporter of the Iraq war. I have been to the Middle East, I have seen the injustices done from the aristocracy, and Jesus challenges all of his followers to stick up for the oppressed. Any ruler who kills hundreds of thousands of his own people qualifies as an oppressor in my book and I am proud to be a part of a country who seeks justice in the world. I am not saying I think this is why Bush went, for all I know it was all about oil, but that doesn't change the fact that in the end Iraq will be a better place for Iraqi people, and for that I say the mission will be worth it.

But I digress. While there are many things I find despicable about the Middle East insurgency and terrorism, I can't say their methods are one of them. Why you ask? Becuase as an American, we invented the concept of unconventional warfare. Now I don't like the idea of women, children and civilians being targeted anymore than the next guy. But at the same time, logic will not allow for me to say that it is a barbaric act of war because to do so would mean I would have to admit that the American Revolution was a barbaric act of war. We were the ones who refused to line up on an open field to be slaughtered. We fought dirty by hiding in the woods, and by using our surroundings to our advantage. But ultimately, if it weren't for the American Revolution, the world would be a far different place. And for all of her faults, I believe America has brought 10 times (ok an expression) more good to the world. None of this would happen of course unless the Colonies took on an act of war that was not accepted at the time.

So thus, it isn't the methods of war that I feel make it barbaric - as war by definition is barbaric in all circumstances and in any method (but barbarism is sometimes necessary). Rather, what I feel makes the insurgents beyond barbaric is what they are fighting for. They are fighting for oppression. They would rather be led by a mad-man than an elected (still imperfect) government. It isn't even the rejection of democracy that bothers me, as I know some might find this as a shock, but democracy is not the answer for everybody (sorry W.). However, they are rejecting justice. Have a monarchy. Have a dictatorship. Have whatever works. But above all, have peace, justice, and love!

As CJ cries out "boring" and switches the channel to the NBA game, I find myself going back to a place every time I descend from the clouds after a long flight and touch ground in Frankfurt, Germany, or Amsterdam. It amazes me that 50 years ago, touching down at the exact same place would be the same as touching down in Baghdad today. But in such a short time, so much can change. In the same way, after 225 years, after a horribly bloody and unconventional war, Bush & Blair, America & England, stand united together at two podiums unified in the common cause of pursuing justice and eventual peace. For that I am proud, and for that I hope Iraq will one day be like the British.