EDITORIAL

Troops For Iraq: Move Thwarted

THE Vajpayee government has finally taken a decision not to send Indian troops to Iraq. This decision comes after nearly three months of evasion and prevarication. Initially, the dominant sections of the government were in favour of complying with the American request. Preparations were made to send a full division of the Indian army. It is a tribute to the strong public opinion voiced, that this move has been halted. The entire opposition stood firm in its refusal to countenance any step which would imply legitimising the American occupation of Iraq. The CPI(M) and the Left parties in particular were totally opposed to India becoming party to the recolonisation of Iraq (see page 9).

The Cabinet Committee on Security, while taking the decision not to send troops has stated that it would consider such a move provided there is an explicit UN mandate for that purpose. The US is desperate to get in more troops from other countries faced with the mounting opposition of the Iraqi people to the occupation. So far 35 American soldiers have been killed since May 1 and more have died in non-combat situations. Despite all its efforts, the Bush administration has been unable to get more than 15,000 troops from around a dozen countries. In such a situation, the US cannot withdraw its 1,48,000 soldiers now stationed in the country. That is why the Americans were eager to get a large contingent of Indian troops into Iraq.

The United States will continue its efforts to get more troops into Iraq. A new interim governing council has been set up consisting of Iraqis. Most of them belong to parties which are financed by the United States.  The United Nations Special Representative has accorded recognition to this council by making the opening speech at its inauguration. The new council has decided to send a delegation to the United Nations. It is possible that under the cover of this council, a request would be made to the UN for troops to “stabilize” the situation. So, vigilance is required to see that under no new pretext the effort to send Indian troops is revived. In the meantime, the Left and democratic forces in the country can take satisfaction in having thwarted the decision to dispatch Indian soldiers which would have proved disastrous for the country.