BRENDAN BUTLER,
Madam, - As the drums of war increase their rhythm, the New Year the faces of a US-led war against Iraq that right-minded people on this planet do not support. Yet there is a paralysis of inaction here in Ireland as if there is nothing Irish people can do but accept the inevitability of war.
Since 1952 successive Irish governments have allowed Shannon Airport to be used by the US government for military purposes, but as the recent Dubsky case has shown no Irish authority, ranging from Aer Rianta to the Garda Síochána, can check the contents of these military aircraft, their place of origin, or their destination.
Mr Cowen, Minister for Foreign Affairs, has further consolidated this position by giving carte blanche to the increasing use of Shannon by US armed forces.
Indeed it is no exaggeration or hysterical reaction to state that as Irish people we have ceded Irish sovereignty at Shannon Airport to the US through successive governments kowtowing to successive American administrations.
More than 40 peace, justice and religious organisations belonging to the NGO Peace Alliance are demanding an end to US military use of Shannon Airport, especially as war materials and personnel are being ferried through our country in preparation for an unjust attack on Iraq. - Yours, etc.,
BRENDAN BUTLER, (Co-Ordinator, NGO Peace Alliance), Phibsboro Road, Dublin 7.
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Madam, - Now that UN inspectors are combing Iraq for weapons of mass destruction it may be opportune to take a second look at the whole policy of disarming Saddam Hussein. Is it possible that the threat posed by Iraq has been blown out of all proportion by the Bush Administration? True, he made war on Iran, gassed Kurds in his own country, invaded Kuwait and frustrated the previous UN weapons inspection attempt; but do all these crimes make him an imminent threat to world peace?
Once before the US blundered by seeing Ho Chi Minh as the spearhead of a Communist plot to dominate South East Asia when he and his followers were simply fighting to free Vietnam from colonial domination.
The US under pressure from the far right - in particular, Secretary of State John Foster Dulles - and blinded by its own propaganda and the need to reassure its ally France, undertook a disastrous war. Today, under pressure from the right - in particular, Vice-President Dick Cheney - and blinded by its own propaganda and the need to reassure its ally Israel, the Bush Administration is ready to launch another war.
Those who point out the possible consequences of overthrowing Saddam Hussein - such as the break-up of Iraq and the alienation of moderate Arab states - are dismissed as misinformed or soft on terrorism.
Has America learned nothing from the debacle of Vietnam and the doubtful aftermath of Afghanistan?
Now that the war lobby is gathering momentum, it is vital that friendly countries such as Ireland use their vote in the Security Council and/or their influence in the EU to keep America on the path of moderation. - Yours, etc.,
PATRICK DEVANEY, Greenfield Drive, Maynooth, Co Kildare.