Right before President Bush announced that the U.S. would be invading Iraq, I had a dream. I can't say for sure if it was an inspired dream or not, but it was a very clear dream and it felt spiritual. In the dream, I was in Baghdad talking with some Iraqi students who were discussing a new day for Iraq, and a possible overthrow of the Hussein regime. The students seemed extremely intelligent and articulate. I remember feeling like I could identify with those students and I wanted to help them to be free. During our conversation, we were spotted by a member of Saddam's royal guard and were taken by gunpoint to a room without a roof. Although I was an American, I was guilty by association and would share the fate of the students. We were told that our conversation was illegal and that we would be punished for our crimes. Saddam himself then entered the room and I was filled with enormous fear! I had never before felt such intense oppression as I did in this dream. I remember a feeling of helplessness and my heart cried out to God. I thought to myself how unjust this was...that there was no court to appeal to, no lawyer to represent me. This man, Saddam Hussein, had complete power over me...and it seemed that there was no righteous force to oppose him. The dictator would deal with us and I expected the worst. Who could save us? How can such absolute power be unchecked?
It was at this low point that I remember hearing the roar of a formation of f-16s and f-15s. At first, I was confused, but could tell that something good was happening. As bombs began to fall, Saddam and his men left the scene...and it was then that I realized that it was our guys! The United States came as a rescuer. I shouted for joy almost like at a sporting event. The precision and efficacy of the fighter pilots were impressive! I was so proud to belong to the country that not only was able to stand up against Saddam's regime, but could do so with such technology and skill.
It was at this low point that I remember hearing the roar of a formation of f-16s and f-15s. At first, I was confused, but could tell that something good was happening. As bombs began to fall, Saddam and his men left the scene...and it was then that I realized that it was our guys! The United States came as a rescuer. I shouted for joy almost like at a sporting event. The precision and efficacy of the fighter pilots were impressive! I was so proud to belong to the country that not only was able to stand up against Saddam's regime, but could do so with such technology and skill.
The dream gave me a small taste of the fear and intimidation that a tyrant rules with. I am sure that the actual experience is much worse.
Who but the United States could have delivered the Iraqis? Saddam was a Hitler wanna-be. Fortunately, he was contained and then dealt with before he left an even darker legacy. But consider his past:
Hussein's regime killed, tortured, raped and terrorized the Iraqi people and its neighbors for over two decades.
Hundreds of thousands of people died as a result of Hussein's actions.
Hussein has had approximately 40 of his own relatives murdered.
1980-88: Iran-Iraq war left 150,000 to 340,000 Iraqis and 450,000 to 730,000 Iranians dead.
1983-1988: Documented chemical attacks by Iraqi regime caused some 30,000 Iraqi and Iranian deaths.
1988: Chemical attack on Kurdish village of Halabja killed approximately 5,000 people.
1987-1988: Iraqi regime used chemical agents in attacks against at least 40 Kurdish villages.
1990-91: 1,000 Kuwaitis were killed in Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.
1991: bloody suppression of Kurdish and Shi'a uprisings in northern and southern Iraq killed at least 30,000 to 60,000.
*Sources: Office of the White House Press Secretary: Life Under Saddam Hussein: Past Repression and Atrocities by Saddam Hussein's Regime; April 4, 2003, http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/04/iraq/20030404-1.html; "Iraq: Crimes Against Humanity," State Department, May 7, 2002, http://usinfo.state.gov/regional/nea/iraq/crimes; "Iraq: U.S. Alleges Role in Bush Death Plot," Facts on File May 20, 1993; http: www.2facts.com; http://www.2facts.com/stories/temp/10882temp1993053677.asp)
History has had many tyrants. There have been and there will be many Hitler wanna-bes. But ever since the 18th century, the United States has taken on several of them and won! We may have to play this role in the world for decades to come. Our strength has been the strength of our religion and our values. May we continue to protect our families and strengthen our morality here at home. The Holy One of Israel has His eye on our country and if we remember Him and keep His commandments, He will continue to protect us and strengthen us. Always the defenders, never the aggressors, the United States will continue to promote freedom throughout the earth. And God willing, Tyrants will have to answer to the United States.
