Security and geopolitics
A view from The Bahamas
By Bahamian: Dennis Dames
Copyright ©2003 Dennis Arthur Dames



The complete call was 911, and the uniformity of the moment transformed our world forever. The most powerful nation on earth, the United States of America- received a wakeup call. It was deadly, it was heartbreaking, it was completely destructive, it was an act of war and it will never be forgotten in our lifetime.


It should not. The events of September 11, 2001- was executed by a called- stateless network of terrorists. It is therefore sensible, and wise to presume that a state organized terror attack on American soil- would be even more deadly.


That is why a war is imminent with Iraq. America has a right to defend itself, and it’s case sounds serious. It is unfortunate that so many political leaders in Europe seem to be ignorant of their not so distant past. Should we wait for millions more to be murdered at the hands of crazy dictators and global terrorists, while some in positions of responsibility pretend that nothing is wrong?


It is now becoming evident, that the network of terror transcends all borders. The profile, and the mission of the terrorists are usually related; and they are to kill, kill, and keep killing. We are already living in a state of global warfare.


The borders are being secured everywhere, and the great armies and navies- are moving into their respective positions. Let us not pretend, that war with Iraq can be averted if the demands of the mighty United States are not met. The future of the United Nations is at great risk in the process.


The United States of America is determined not to be a sitting duck again. It has that right. If the forgetful leaders of Europe want to be sitting ducks and encourage their people to be the same, that’s their right too- I imagine. While many of them act like their respective countries, are not under any external terror threats in the day, at night they secretly wheel and deal the next way. It goes with the territory.


The issue of national security is a universal phenomenon. The urgency for international security against global and state sponsored terrorism is being severely compromised by the nature of global politics, and economics. It’s the perfect recipe for a troubled world waiting to explode.


In the meantime, America and the coalition of the willing will act to disarm Iraq, if Iraq does not do so itself. Remember always now that, America is not in a sitting duck mode, and the United Nations will do or die soon. All parties will have to make a decision shortly, and every individual nation involve- shall forever live or die with their single choice.


The room at the middle of the road is slowly thinning. The line has been drawn, so pick which side you are on. The peace and security of the world are under siege.


This is not an issue to be taken lightly. History has recorded what happens- when good men and women do nothing about ‘trigger happy’ tyrants. The world is cognizant of the oppressive leaders of today. It is known that many of them are yearning for weapons of mass destruction. It is also a fact, that they murder their own family members and countrymen- for the sake of holding on to the sweet power, and maintaining their madness.


Pre-emptive military action is key to a safer world against terrorism, and mass state murderers. Get them before they can strike again, is essential to world peace and stability. It is a war worth fighting.


The United Nations has its role to play in keeping the peace throughout our global village. How it deals with the existing crisis, will determine its future. The hour has come for good men and women to stand up, and do something about the serious threats, and potential disasters brewing throughout our universe- that could affect the lives of billions of people. There is no room left for procrastination.


Dennis Dames Domain (http://www.geocities.com/dpoetry2002/Dennis_Dames.html)

We should not go to war frivolously.

Saddam is a bad man but we have yet to establish a connection between Saddam and terrorists. The primary focus should be on fighting terrorism. The primary target should be Bin Laden. Because Bin Laden cannot be found we are substituting Saddam. Saddam has an address.

The problem with attacking Iraq is so many innocent people will be killed. These people are already oppressed living under Saddam. Should they have to suffer American bombs as well? If America destroys so many innocent lives, how different will America be than the terrorists that perpetrated 911? There must be a better, more efficient way to get Saddam.

Beyond getting Saddam we must introduce more justice in the world. Slavery must be eliminated. We in the western world are prospering from slavery. We have the Chines and like nationals working for next to nothing in substandard conditions to produce goods for our consumption. Our quality of life is being paid for in human suffering. Fixing these things will lower the attractiveness of terrorism. We must find ways to ensure more and more people have a stake in the bounty of the world.

When one man makes 70 million dollars running a company and when there is a problem with the company they let go 40,000 people we know we have problems. Capitalism has run amok. We need to fix it. We need capitalism with a conscience.

A fixed capitalist system will see the top people taking home less, the bottom people taking home more, more people employed working fewer hours, lower prices for goods and services, better education and health care available for all, and hunger banished to a distant memory. You will also see less crime which is a form of terrorism.

Instant response - "this is utopic. It cannot be done". Maybe so, but we sure can work towards it. If we cannot make the world perfect, we can make it better.

America must realize that true freindship is based on mutual respect. You cannot buy love (though you can buy affection). You cannot buy friends (though you can buy companionship). when you threaten people to "be my friend or else" - what do you expect to happen?

America is a great nation. Right now America has been shaken to its foundations. There is no army for America to strike back at. America has always fought wars on other countries' territories. Now the war is being brought to America. To survive, America must find new ways of protecting itself, fighting back, and preventing terrorism. In all of this America must preserve and better define the "American Way". Civil liberties must be redefined, and protected at the same time as they are pierced! America must get to the point where they have processes for knowing things but only use that knowledge for national security purposes. Crime should fall under national security.