Iraq

[FP]

Following on from the question below on 'Lack of Respect': Although I condemn the cruel killing of Ken Bigley, and feel for his family, I feel far more compassion for all the innocent people that have been killed and maimed in their own country with no ability to flee. I find it difficult to feel compassion for a man who has chosen to be in Iraq for monetary gain and who knows the risk involved. Does anyone else agree?

[FP]

I agree with you on this Elfin.

[Hgrove]

I thought this man was only earning a living, and also, I gather he embarked on this change of career which eventually led him to Iraq following the trauma of his son's death aged 16 and resulting marriage breakup. So, yes, I do feel compassion for him. He did not get a very good deal in life.

[demko]

When it comes to Mr. Bigley, I reflect upon the utter torture of fear and uncertainty he had to endure, while his American counterparts were beheaded immediately. There must have been a glimmer of hope that as a Brit, he may have a different outcome and I believe that as his family pleaded the terrorists continued to use the prolonged negotiation period to appeal to the world that Coalition forces must consider their demands. My heart cries for the inner battle he must have had to endure all alone, surrounded by enemies capable of beheading him any minute they whimsically may choose. For the nation to show their respects and mourn together the loss of an innocent man who fell victim to the war is acceptable to me. At the same time, we need to take more than a minute as nations to mourn the loss of so many lives already lost as result of government tactics and policies which do not promte peace and brotherhood among people of all races, religions, and class. Why do nations fight? When smaller nations try to fight super nations--do you really think they are trying to take over the world's throne? Or are they trying to fight for their independence, fair treatment, and self defense against a bully?

[sharp1]

Im very sorry to hear of Mr Bigleys death. Yes we (british) and the US and a host of other countries went to war on Iraq, but it must be stressed Sadem hussain was warned for 12 years, that if he keeps ignoring UN sanctions he will pay a heavy price. He did not want to sit at a table and talk it over he choose to ignore all correspondance, during which time he carried on his evil ways. We had to go to war with Iraq, just like when hitler was murdering the jews we had to stop him. Now we have done that we are uncovering more and more evil people like saddam, who choose to torture people, use scare tactics to get what they want. But during this war innocent people are bound to die, just why Al Zaqueri does it so brutally i dont know.

[dorset 1954]

Having read all the posts on this tragedy, I must say, I feel priviledged to read such well-judged discussion (mainly). I don't think I can add anything of import, but there are a few things I feel the need to say: a) The US + UK should never have invaded Iraq. b) Although not "targetted", the Coalition appeared to have little regard for the safety of Iraqi people and its young soldiers. c)I understand Mr Bigley was paid to and advised to employ security, but did not do so. d)The media involvement is surreal. e) I agree with all of Fakeplastic's points, especially those regarding Lady Di.

[dorset 1954]

No, I hadn't read ALL posts. Didn't realise threads were so long! Stewaart Lee's article was interesting. Thanks again, all.

[sweetheart]

I completly agree with fakeplastic.

[FP]

Thanks to all of you that have contributed. It's what makes AB such a good place to have intelligent discussions without any nastiness. Three stars to all for your replies. I have such a slow computer that I will be here forever if I go through the rating process.