Why Not Let Iraq Save Face

By George N. Spitz
USA Today Final Edition
January 15, 1991
Section: NEWS, Page 10A

NEW YORK - The USA should claim victory if Iraq leaves Kuwait in return for minimal concessions, such as control of disputed oil fields.

Even a quick, "clean" war with limited battlefield casualties could exact substantial loss of life among innocent civilians, inflict serious environmental damage and trigger new terrorism.

Considering present-day subjugation of the weak by the strong, a "face-saving" Iraqi withdrawal would represent significant progress. China rules unwilling Tibet, Indonesia East Timor, the Soviet Union the Baltic states; Turkey holds North Cyprus, Syria controls Lebanon, Israel occupies the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem and South Lebanon. All these aggressors are ``rewarded'' directly or indirectly by the USA. U.N. protests are aimed only at Israel and Iraq.

And despite a dismal human rights record, Saddam is not Hitler redux. Iraqi women experience rights equal to if not superior to women of other Islamic states. Freedom of religion prevails; Christians such as Foreign Minister Tariq Aziz hold high posts. Despite persistent hostility from Israel and the U.S. Jewish community, including frequent commentators to this page, Saddam never scapegoats Iraqi Jews; they enjoy university admission, government employment and unrestricted travel and emigration.

Saddam exploits Israel's non-compliance with U.N. resolutions. But a few years back, he told Rep. Stephen Solarz that no Arab leader advocates wiping Israel "out of existence." Last June, Saddam conceded that "Arabs made a mistake in 1967 by not accepting Israel's offer of land for peace."

Moreover, his threats never descend to the level of Anwar Sadat's letter urging Hitler to "return and finish the job." Sadat launched the Yom Kippur War, causing the most Jewish deaths since World War II, but the USA and Israel were willing to negotiate with him, "rewarding" his aggression with land for peace plus substantial aid.

As an Orthodox Jew who respects Torah (biblical) values, I am distressed by the belligerence of Israel and many U.S. Jews and fear a gulf war could revive anti-Semitism in the USA. I was surprised and gratified when a majority of Jewish members of Congress voted against the resolutions authorizing military force. Perhaps this is a favorable signal. "When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7)

George N. Spitz, a retired auditor, is a freelance writer.

The Progressive, Pro-Peace choice in the New York City Democratic Primary for City Council 5th District on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island.