The Reconstruction of Iraq

Machiavelli said that fear is what creates society, but I believe he only sees the surface. Sure, fear provides and maintains the framework of society. For example, we fear going to jail, so we do not commit crimes. However, that is only the surface; society's exoskeleton, if you will.

At its core, society depends on love. While we fear prision, we accept it because we love our society and the benefits it offers. Moreover, much of the fear of prision is, in fact, the seperation from the society we love so dearly. Without love, a society is hollow and easy to collapse.

Both things are important and necessary, of course. A society missing either will fail, and this is where Iraq has gone wrong. In Iraq, there is no love, only war. Fear is plentiful, but there is no love to direct it. If you wonder why Afganistan isn't doing nearly so bad, it's clear. President Karzi exudes with love and compassion for his people. This love allows people to accept the fear of society, and direct it to where it is needed most. This isn't an isolated case either. The same occured with Nelson Mandela in South Africa. If only we had the same in Iraq.

Thus, the question becomes one of how to provide this love. Well, Iraq currently lacks such a passionate leader, so we Westerners must become that person. We must overflow the country and the people with our donations, support and reconstruction efforts. What most people fail to realise is that 90% of terrorists are that way because they only know pain and fear. If we showed our compassion in an unquestionable way, terrorism would eventually dissolve.

As the wealthy of this world, it is our responsibility to ensure the survival and safety of the less well off, if not for their sakes, but for ours. As 9/11 indicates, a distant seperation between the rich and poor hurts the rich in the end. We must create a level social and economic playing feild between us and Iraq, if we want either party to succeed. The way to do this is to create a detailed and comprehensive reconstruction plan that touches not only every Iraqi but every Westerner as well. We must show them that we are their brothers and sisters in humanity, and we can do this by our compassion and love.