Drums of War, Calls for Peace: How Should the Left Respond to a U.S. War against Iraq?

In: Dissent: a journal devoted to radical ideas and the values of socialism and democracy, Volume 50, Issue 1, p. 5-17

Abstract

A symposium on "War and Iraq" focuses on how the Left should respond to a possible US war against Iraq. Marshall Berman contends that US military action against Iraq would open a floodgate of problems in an explosive part of the world & stresses the need for an effective antiwar movement. Mitchell Cohen disagrees, maintaining that Saddam Hussein's pathological dictatorship will require force sooner or later; however, he fears the Bush administration has not given adequate thought to what happens after a war. Todd Gitlin argues that the risks are too great to justify a war against Iraq & President Bush's "morally arrogant" preemptive doctrine has the potential to endanger Americans. Stanley Hoffmann believes a war is only justified if the Iraqi regime blocks inspections & military force is supported by the UN Security Council. Kanan Makiya supports a war on the grounds that Iraq is currently a criminal state, while James B. Rule opposes any war carried out without international support & claims the Bush preemptive war doctrine is "frightening." Ann Snitow argues that the most urgent task is not fighting a war against terrorism but establishing a demilitarized internationalism. Ellen Willis rejects military action but reserves the right to change her mind if the Iraqis stage a democratic revolt against Saddam. J. Lindroth