September 23, 2005
Iran-Iraq War
25 years has passed from the start of one of the most heartbreaking events of the 20th century. The unnecessary, wasteful and dreaded 8 year war between Iran and Iraq produced millions of dead and wounded along with devastated communities and scarred consciousness of two nations.
The long-term effects of the war that Saddam started and Khomeini needlessly prolonged, will be felt in the region and rest of the world for generations to come. Just think for a moment that if Iraq had not invaded a chunk of Iran to begin with or Iran had accepted the terms of the proposed cease-fire that was offered right after they pushed Iraqis out, what could have been different today?
Would Khomeini have been able to crush his opposition as effectively as he did during the following years? If not, who may have been in power now or what concessions would have been needed to include dissenters? How would the economy of both countries be different if the colossal price tag associated with rebuilding as well as subsequent military build-up wasn't there? Would Saddam have invaded Kuwait and would the ensuing pretext for illegal invasion of Iraq by U.S. still be present? Would U.S. troops be stationed in Saudi Arabia after 1991 to trigger the Wahhabi anger that has partially fueled the creation of Al-Qaeda and resulting 9/11 tragedy?
It is impossible to say for certain what exactly would have been different today but is also hard to deny that much would have changed.
Maybe somewhere in a parallel universe...
Posted by Pedram at September 23, 2005 01:21 PM