In a marvelous work of self-referential denial the Oct 2, 2016 New York Time article “Why Some Wars Get More Attention Than Others” fails to mention the now ongoing ISIS vs. Iraq war. Yes, it deserves underling. The U.S. is deeply involved in this conflict but day-to-day reporting is woefully lacking in the American media.
In support of Baghdad’s imminent ‘liberation’ of the ISIS stronghold in Mosul we now have almost 5,000 troops on the ground, an undisclosed number of non-official fighters, and drone and air support all gearing up in what is only the latest battle in an ongoing war.
Ignoring the history of jihadist revolutionary movements and the recent metastases of IS affiliated actions in other countries our government is espousing confidence in rapid success against ISIS in Iraq. After all, we are the greatest nation on Earth and can surely drive these terrorists out of Mosul and achieve victory. We don’t even accept the fact that there is no ISIS. What we name is not a real entity, but rather a collection of groups that choose to be named as such, each with its own goals, strategy, and tactics. Defeating ISIS in Iraq will have little effect on Boko Haram or other insurgencies that choose to adopt the IS naming.
What is to come is much less glorious than victory. There is no plan for what happens in Mosul after the inevitable winning of the battle. There is, however, great sadness and loss to come. And a blindness to the inevitable grief and suffering generated by our coming actions.
Much of the city will be reduced to rubble. Many neighborhoods will be flattened. The infrastructure will be damaged to an extent requiring not repair but rebuilding. And yes, the innocent civilians will be devastated, physically and emotionally. Wounds can heal and psychological damage can be eased, but that requires hospitals, doctors, and medicine that will not be available to those who survive. Death cannot be repaired.
Some 750,000 people will join the ranks of Iraq’s internally displace people (IDPs). Iraq already has over 2.5 million people who have been forced out of their homes and village and cities. About half are trapped in poorly outfitted ‘camps’. This light and happy term masks horrid living conditions. Running water, food, heat, clothing, medicine, and care of any kind is lacking. The rest of the IDPs are housed with relatives, friends, generous people, and Masjids who have opened their doors to these people caught by the sadly predictable consequences of using violence to solve problems.
But maybe ignorance is not a factor in the Obama Administration’s decision making. Maybe the planners know the dreadful results of ‘liberating’ Mosul. Perhaps they are capable of shutting off the compassionate parts of their brains. Maybe they have perfected Denial so that they can pursue their global strategy without having to worry about the innocent civilians they are about to crush. Perhaps the New York Times is partnering with our government to help our citizens ignore the devastation we are about to deliver to the innocents of Iraq. Maybe it will cover the story after the deed is done. But by then it will be too late.
October 2, 2016 by 121Contact
