Across the globe in United States policy makers are discussing the repercussions of an attack on Iraq. After devising possible methods to oust Saddam and his Bath party rule they are thinking of forming the new government. An American general heading the government formed being the fanciest of ideas. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) funds the rebellious Kurds against Saddam Hussein, arms them and trains them.

Now the diplomatic part of it see how American way of dealing with Iraq. The Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld mocks the Iraqi Parliament ministers’ call for select group of congressmen and experts to inspect possible sites. So does the most westernized nation responds with courtesy. Despite opposition from friends and foes across the globe the American President wants to get the one of the world’s largest energy sources into a war. The global reactions are very clear. France and Russia have made it clear that whatever happens should be done under the United Nations banner. So as India and all other gulf and European countries made their opposition for war clear. Thus there was near unanimity against the attack with the exception of US and UK.

As the Americans prepare for strikes and possible occupation of Iraq the only thing that bothers them is the Economic cost of the war. Estimates say at least 75000 American troops should be stationed in Iraq for a 5 year period to restore normalcy to the country. This would amount to $16 billion a year and in addition would be the war bills. This may run a few hundred dollars which US may not be able to release at the current juncture. Let us remember that majority of the expenses in the Gulf war is paid by European and Asian allies. Neighbours of Iraq in the region are no less worried about the aftermath of strike. They feel a successful military campaign and establishment of democracy in Iraq as the Americans plan would make Iraq a model state in the region. This would in turn result in civil war in the Gulf States against the oppressive rulers. Also supporting another strike against an Islamic country by infidels may raise questions and turn the home-grown anti west militancy against them.

Now with a strong mandate in both houses of power the American president may well push for harder actions. The only voice of sanity among the American Elite has been General Powell. This gulf war general has many a time stated his choice of giving a chance for diplomacy before the inevitable happens. As the hawks in Washington headed by Defence Secretary Rumsfeld see establishment of democracy in Iraq as a way out to the failed diplomacy in the Israel-Palestine crises. They believe a successful functioning of democracy in Iraq may pave way for a democratic Palestinian state and hence the other Arab nations.

The American approach to the problems beyond their geographical reach has always been sceptical. They believe wherever there is a threat to America or revolt against the American world order the only solution against it is war. They never bother about the five letter word peace which makes much more sense. Also the much professed diplomacy is left at rail roads. They care damn for others which is clear from former Secretary of State Madame Albright statement that ‘Iraqi children deserve to suffer and die’ under the onslaught on sanctions.

The motive of Americans is by and large clear. They want to keep their largest industry, the armament industry in a good state. This can be done by adapting a double pronged strategy. First is to make the developing countries militarily dependant so that they buy American arms at what ever price offered. The second is by striking other countries time to time so that newer and deadlier weapons are tested.