The bill to extend the time Korean troops are in Iraq for another year passed late at night in the National Assembly on December 31, the very day the current authorization expired. Though an important question, one that relates to the country's identity and the people's lives, there was no debate. That is most regrettable.
There is no need to mention yet once again how sending troops to Iraq is by its nature a participation in the United States' war of aggression. The US is pouring a billion dollars a week into the endeavor, and yet the situation only worsens. Most of the countries that sent troops out of a desire not to offend the Americans have withdrawn their troops for that very reason. Korea is the only country other than the US and the United Kingdom to keep troops in Iraq on a large scale this year. All of a sudden Korea is part of the axis of the "Iraq invasion alliance." It has now become commonplace to have news reports saying local resistance elements are targeting Korean troops. It was only months ago that Kim Seon Il was murdered, and that event is dutifully ignored.
President Roh Moo Hyun and the ruling Uri Party have never once gone before the people and explained in any detail what it is Korea expects to gain from sending troops to Iraq. They are not being aboveboard about it. All that has been said about the need to extend their time there is the irresponsible argument that "since they're there, of course they have to stay longer." Uri members who worked against troop deployment back in June were unable to have any effect. The main opposition Grand National Party (GNP), which supported troops at the beginning, never had any serious internal debate. It makes the Democratic Labor Party (DLP) look even better for having been the party of the 10 Assembly members who voted against the bill to authorize another year.
The invasion of Iraq will remain a major stain, and ugly war, in world history. Extending the time Korean troops are there is an immoral decision that makes Korea take a step deeper into that war. As was the case during the Vietnam War, if the situation worsens the US will demand even more. Things are going to get more difficult since the situation got off to the wrong start.
The Hankyoreh, 3 January 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Wrong About Troops, Wrong About Extension |
