The reply of the Minister for Defence to questions in Parliament on 10th November begs an important question. Who is responsible for the instability not only in Iraq but the whole of the Middle East.
Why is it in Singapore's interest to help the powers that had brought about the instability.
If there was ever a war totally unjustified it is the Iraq War. Bush and Blair waged war on Iraq on a lie.
The risk of "terrorist" attacks on Singapore has increased by the PAP government's decision to send our soldiers to the war in Iraq. To say that our soldiers are going to help in the reconstruction of Iraq is an euphemism which attempts to cover up the wrongs wrought on the Iraqis by Bush and Blair.
Rear Admiral Teo would have been nearer the truth if he had said it was Singapore's duty to help Bush get out of the war he had plunged his country into. Instead of sending troop. Singapore should call for an immediate end to the occupation of Iraq and for the UN to help to bring about an administration in Iraq acceptable to the people of Iraq.
Signed
J.B. Jeyaretnam
10 November 2003
AP: Troops In Iraq By Country
Sources and Relevant Links:
Think Centre Get consent before committing troops 26 October 2003
Think Centre Singapore's stand on Iraqi war questioned 10 June 2003
Singapore troops in Iraq will face risks, admits Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean, but their mission is in the island's national interests. MP Irene Ng and NCMP Steve Chia had asked RAdm Teo to explain the rationale for deploying 192 service men and women to Iraq despite the risks involved. Singapore has contributed a C-130 transport aircraft and a landing ship tank (LST) to the multi-national effort to help rebuild Iraq.
Todayonline Troops at risk, but necessary 11 November 2003
MFA Singapore Position on Iraq [war] Para 31 - 46
Taipei Times US lies justify illegal war and sanctions led to genocide 11 June 2003
The Guardian Iraq: No time to be smug
