2008 Woodie Awards
Iraq is the new Japan
Scott Cullinane
Issue date: 9/26/06 Section: Opinion
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The situation in Iraq is a topic which seems to pervade many political conversations as we near the next election. As I study abroad and see Japan among other places, I now realize Japan is an amazing place, but six decades ago it resembled modern Iraq in many ways.
In 2006 Japan is one of the largest economies in the world, a democracy, and a close ally of America. It is a supreme example that American values can be exported and be successful in other places. It is the hope and strong conviction of many that this same accomplishment can be brought to post-Saddam Iraq.
Japan after World War II and Iraq after the Gulf War were very close in their situations. Both had been lead by totalitarian, militaristic regimes of a fanatic nature. Both were engaged in many years of offensive war against their neighbors and both were defeated by America. One strong central state-approved religion was in place and both countries placed women on a far lower level than men. Both populations had been starved of any real education, the free flow of information, and free political expression. When the wars ended both country's economies were inoperative.
In Japan, the official occupation lasted six years, with a very large U.S. military presence and expenditure of money. Censorship was practiced and the Japanese were not allowed to write their constitution. We have been in Iraq for under four years total. We enjoy support from other nations (including Japan, which sent 1,000 troops). We do not censor and the Iraqi leaders wrote their own constitution.
In the historical perspective, Japan is remembered as a great success and Iraq exceeds Japan in some ways. The Iraqis, like the Japanese, have embraced democracy. They are voting at high rates and actively fight for their freedom.
In Japan, we stayed the course and the benefit to the world is clear. I have seen first hand the deep appreciation the Japanese have for the gift America gave them. Today, the road block to Iraq reaching those same heights is only our own lack of will. Iraqis are showing their devotion to freedom. It is the surrender and "pull out now" crowd in America that is as much of a threat to our victory as those terrorist thugs.
Past generations have built up American honor by standing by our allies and standing up for our principles. We should not be the ones to let this tradition down, especially after so many who believed so strongly have given so dearly.
In 2006 Japan is one of the largest economies in the world, a democracy, and a close ally of America. It is a supreme example that American values can be exported and be successful in other places. It is the hope and strong conviction of many that this same accomplishment can be brought to post-Saddam Iraq.
Japan after World War II and Iraq after the Gulf War were very close in their situations. Both had been lead by totalitarian, militaristic regimes of a fanatic nature. Both were engaged in many years of offensive war against their neighbors and both were defeated by America. One strong central state-approved religion was in place and both countries placed women on a far lower level than men. Both populations had been starved of any real education, the free flow of information, and free political expression. When the wars ended both country's economies were inoperative.
In Japan, the official occupation lasted six years, with a very large U.S. military presence and expenditure of money. Censorship was practiced and the Japanese were not allowed to write their constitution. We have been in Iraq for under four years total. We enjoy support from other nations (including Japan, which sent 1,000 troops). We do not censor and the Iraqi leaders wrote their own constitution.
In the historical perspective, Japan is remembered as a great success and Iraq exceeds Japan in some ways. The Iraqis, like the Japanese, have embraced democracy. They are voting at high rates and actively fight for their freedom.
In Japan, we stayed the course and the benefit to the world is clear. I have seen first hand the deep appreciation the Japanese have for the gift America gave them. Today, the road block to Iraq reaching those same heights is only our own lack of will. Iraqis are showing their devotion to freedom. It is the surrender and "pull out now" crowd in America that is as much of a threat to our victory as those terrorist thugs.
Past generations have built up American honor by standing by our allies and standing up for our principles. We should not be the ones to let this tradition down, especially after so many who believed so strongly have given so dearly.