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Monday, January 11, 2010

Wen Tzu - Verse 112, Part II

from Verse One Hundred Twelve
Even if strategy is appropriately calculated, with the concern for the relief of distress and plans for the survival of the nation, if the affair is prosecuted without humanity and justice, it cannot succeed.
~ Wen-tzu: Understanding the Mysteries ~
In a nutshell, Lao Tzu has stated my case for the central issue I have with US foreign policy. Far too often, our goal of protecting our "national interests" trumps any attempt at humanity or justice.

For example, under the guise of 9/11, we attacked Iraq (which, by the way, had no connection whatsoever with the events that transpired on 9/11). We laid waste to their oil fields, sanitation systems, electrical grid, archeological treasures, schools and hospitals. In essence, we crippled their country. Even if we had been justified in attacking Iraq -- which we weren't -- destroying a nation's infrastructure is in no way humane nor just for the vast majority of its citizens.

Today, the country of Iraq is a shell of its former self. Most Iraqis live in fear of bombs and attacks plus struggle with inadequate drinking water, little agricultural production and limited electricity. And their lives are in far better shape than most Afghanis! (That, of course, is another sad story.)

This post is part of a series. For an introduction, go here.

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