‘Why This War Is So Hated’

Neo-neocon is one smart blogger. She more than most, has a the tremendous capacity and self discipline to examine, ponder and consider an issue before she opines. When she does, it's always a good read- and her remarks are more often than not, more than memorable. This post gives the reader pause- and a vantage point from which the reader can debate the merits of opposition to the war in Iraq.

Of course, all wars are hated by most thoughtful people, since they involve bloodshed and suffering. And havoc…

But I'm not talking primarily of that sort of generalized hatred of war, the type that's shared by both sides and applies to all wars. No, there seems to be something special about the war in Iraq and its aftermath…

it's not as though this is a war with especially high casualties on either side, at least as wars go; that first element of the definition of havoc–widespread destruction–has not occurred, not even in Iraq.

And it's not as though Saddam Hussein, whose regime was the original target of the war, is anybody's hero outside of Iraq–and even in Iraq his supporters were/are limited, although previously powerful and presently out for blood. So no, even most of those who hate this war find it difficult to get worked up into a lather of sympathy for Saddam, and they often remember to begin war critiques with the disclaimer: "Of course, Saddam was bad, but…"

Nor do I think hatred of this war stems mainly from the failure to find WMDs, although that likewise contributes. Once again, the hatred of this war predated that failure, so it can't be caused by it…

Read Neo's entire post- it's more than an eye opener and more than enough food for thought.