The peacenik quandry
: Julian Barnes in the Guardian goes to great lengths (by a few too many column-inches) to try to justify the “peacenik” view of peace in Iraq. We’re going to be seeing a lot of that now. (Calling Ms. Garofalo! Calling Ms. Garofalo!) But he doesn’t grapple with the issues; it’s just a war-is-bad recitation:
Well, peacenik, are you happy now that peace is coming? No, because I don’t think this war, as conceived and justified, was worth a child’s finger. At least, are you happy that Saddam’s rule is effectively over? Yes, of course, like everyone else. So, do you see some incompatibility here? Yes, but less than the incompatibilities in your position.
Nothing about the oppression of the Iraqi people. Nothing about the crowds happy to be free. Nothing about the children whom Saddam gassed and imprisoned. Yup, speaking as a former peacenik myself, I have to say it wouldn’t be easy being a peacenik these days.
