Persuasive Piece
Style
of writing: Persuasive
Target
audience: Australians who are concerned with post-war Iraq.
Context:
Post-war in Iraq
Date: 5/5/2003
Should
Australia contribute as much towards Iraq as it did in the War?
Rebuilding Iraq is extremely tenuous and time consuming, especially after the Western Coalition Forces flattened the country with missiles and bombs. The whole infrastructure of Iraq is thrown into chaos, with no one to govern the country; daily shootings and lootings on the streets; and an overwhelming number of casualties of war. Currently, the need of resources and help from other countries are urgent. Although the US has been helping restoring order to Iraq, contributions from Australia are also crucial in healing Iraq・s scars from the war.
Having taken part of the Coalition Of The Willing during the war to
overthrow Saddam・s regime, Australia in turn should accept partial
responsibility in the restitution of Iraq.
The most confronting reason is that if Australia decides to seclude from
Iraq, backlash from other countries will be fierce.
Thus, although Australia has fulfilled its role as a Coalition Of The
Willing during the war in Iraq, withdrawal of the troops from Iraq after the war
would imply that Australia went to war with ulterior motives, such as free trade
with the US, or an excuse to exercise and test military power, etc.
Since Australia has taken part in the war on Iraq, it should resume its
involvement in Iraq.
Australia・s contributions to Iraq appear under-represented by the media
as Americans dominate the camera appearances.
However, the number of Australian troops in Iraq is very marginal in
proportion to that of the US. The
benefaction shown by an individual Australian would surpass that of an American
soldier. This is corroborated by
Australia・s current role in assisting Iraq financially, repairing its
dysfunctional infrastructure, and restoring peace.
In fact, Australia・s humanitarian assistance package for relief of the
people of Iraq, as of April 30th, has exceeded $110million1.
The money is mainly being utilized to finance Iraq・s agriculture,
urgently needed food, water, and medical supplies. This display of utmost generosity is justified, since up to
sixty percent of the Iraqi population are at risk due to insufficient food,
water and medical supplies. Such
dedication to the reconstruction of Iraq received praise worldwide as these
Iraqi people・s desperate needs are being catered for.
Because
a majority number of countries disapproved the war on Iraq and refused to
participate in the first place, it is reasonable to suggest that only pro-war
countries should bear the consequences of the war.
As a result, every morsel of help is appreciated from the few countries
which supported the war. This
advocated Australia・s involvement in post-war Iraq.
Apart
from financial aid, Australia also committed troops to keep order in Iraq.
A mounting concern in Iraq is the daily looting of government offices,
palaces, shops and such places by Iraqis. No
matter how many soldiers from the US or the UK are sent to Iraq, more troops are
still needed to minimize chaos on the streets.
Australia fits the niche nicely and our peacekeeping troops have been
successful in preventing looting, controlling protestors and protecting
important personnels. In addition,
President Bush explicitly requested further contributions to Iraq by Australia2.
By fulfilling his request, Australia not only established a stronger bond
with the US, also the ANZAC Treaty is further reinforced.
Committing troops to Iraq after the fall of Saddam・s regime can also
induce benefits. The bonding
between Australia and the US is more firmly constricted, as a result of mutual
interest in overthrowing Saddam・s regime and restoring peace in Iraq.
This has opened up the possibility of a free trade with the US, which
would give Australia a boost in economy and would also reimburse an economical
investment in the rebuilding of Iraq. The
Australian Government predicted that a free-trade agreement with the US would
bring an extra $4 billion for Australian businesses3.
Free trade would also lower barriers between the US and Australia,
leading to further friendly negotiations. Moreover,
by contributing to Iraq, the Australia-Iraq relationship would improve.
This would protect Australia・s share of wheat sales to Iraq, its third
largest market for grain.
Since Australia has already committed troops in Iraq, it would be
difficult to withdraw the troops due to moral obligations.
However, there is no need to, as a short-term sacrifice of time and money
invested in contributing to the reconstruction of Iraq would reap beneficial
rewards such as a strengthening economy, better reputation, and better
international relations, especially with the US.
On ethical grounds, the most coherent justification for the war on Iraq
is for Australia to show the world that, by helping reforming Iraq after the
war, Australia righteously demonstrates that the Howard government did not
support the war for narcissistic reasons.
Bibliography
1.
Australian humanitarian aid to Iraq updated
30 Apr 2003, Australian Agency
for International Development
2.
Post-war role may increase By Mark
Phillips April 25, 2003, www.news.com.au
3.
Bloomberg news,
May 3rd, 2003 http://quote.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000087&sid=ayWBg7ce.PrM&refer=top_world_news