Many people that oppose the invasion of Iraq do so out of compassion. They feel that civilian deaths, depleted uranium, and Imperialism will not help the Iraqi people.
Many people that support the invasion of Iraq do so out of compassion. They feel that Saddam Hussein is an evil dictator that abuses his power and his people.
In most cases, people on both sides fail to see the compassion of the other side. Pro-invasion pundits say the other side does not want to help other people. Anti-invasion preachers call the other side butchers.
Is my compassion better?
We can use compassion for the Iraqi people to support both sides of this debate. Is one person’s compassion greater or better than another person’s compassion? Can either side claim that their compassion has more truth? No.
Use of force
If we evaluate this issue simply on compassion, then there is not a clear course of action. What can we use to help determine our course of action? We should decide what is an appropriate use of force.
It is inappropriate for one country to invade another country unprovoked.
Recognize compassion
In any case, it is important to recognize when people that disagree with your position do have compassion.
