Iraq - right or wrong? (From Gazette & Herald)

Iraq - right or wrong?

AS fighting continues in Iraq, Ryedale mirrors the nation in its worries and concerns.

Many are troubled by the attack on Iraq. MP John Greenway said: "None of us wants this war".

And the Rev Tony Buglass, superintendent of the Pickering circuit of Methodist churches said: "War is always a failure. It means politicians have failed to negotiate the way around a problem."

A question commonly asked was underscored by the Abbot of Ampleforth, Father Timothy Wright: "We ask 'Why?' Is this the only way to achieve 'regime change'?"

Fears and hopes for the safety of British personnel serving in the conflict are also common: "My thoughts are now with the men and women in our armed forces who will perform this difficult and dangerous task, and with their families," said Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh.

Some young people in district secondary schools have taken part in anti-war protests. Pupils and grown-ups have joined in demonstrations in York and London.

Others, despite concerns and reservations, believe the nation should unite and pull together. The Rev John Manchester, of Old Malton, says that: "Like many, I am uneasy about going to war without the support of the international community (and) even our own people are divided."

But he added that Saddam Hussein is "a very wicked and evil man" and Mr Manchester believes that Prime Minister Blair "has done everything he possibly could and has worked terribly hard to find the right way forward and I admire his work greatly".

Meanwhile, television, with the sophisticated skills and technologies at its disposal is bringing the war into our homes. Despite the intensive coverage we receive, some question if it helps us to understand the reality of what is going on.

"We see it on our television screens, we hear it on the radio. It seems like a war film; somehow out there, with the voices of commentators at a military tattoo," said the Abbot of Ampleforth.

"We have to go on reminding ourselves that his war is horribly real. People are being killed, maimed, injured."

Mingled with concerns over the war are questions for the future.

Mr Manchester fears destabilisation in the middle east and he adds: "Peace will only work properly if we put money and adequate supplies and the infrastructure back into Iraq in order for them to have a renaissance."

His view is echoed by the Abbot of Ampleforth who said we must "restore an enduring peace in Iraq, and establish a society which will be just and fair to all who live there."

As it has for 80 years, the Royal British Legion branches in Ryedale are offering help and support to service men and women and their dependants.

"We are currently helping many who served during Operation Desert Storm and other conflicts," said the chairman of the Pickering and Thornton-le-Dale branch, the Rev Ivon Baker.

He added: "The legion remains a lifeline for many who face need, sickness and adversity after serving their country."

Updated: 14:21 Wednesday, March 26, 2003