Page 126 - Clearwater Christian College 1991

With the advent of 1990, an event that would

alter our daily existence and the way we think

about war and peace was in its germinating

stage and about to explode.

n August, the seed burst and what was once

fearful rumour became stark reality. Iraq invaded

the smaller and less militarily prepared Kuwait.

Trouble in the Middle East again threatened to

upset international peace. Neighboring countries, the

U.S., and the United Nations quickly designated this an

act of terror and cruelty.

Within days of the invasion the U.N. convened to

discuss action to be taken. Import/export sanctions

began immediately to force dictator Saddam Hussein to

withdraw his troops. Media coverage of the crises

provided constant updates. It became obvious to most

world leaders that a "peaceful" solution, i.e. sanctions,

was proving ineffective. The repercussions of the

invasion and the ensuing atrocities were altering

opinions about the probability of military intervention.

President Bush, under the auspices of the U.N. issued

deadlines for Saddam to withdraw his troops. American

troops were sent to Saudi Arabia to prepare for possible

altercation. This news galvanated the American people

into action — not always harmonious action. There

were both anti-war and opposing pro-

president/military demonstrations in cities all across

America.

Despite efforts to halt its growth, the seed of war

blossomed. Saddam missed the deadline, rebuffing all

attempts at a peaceful solution. Although some experts

believed the overtures in the Middle East were fraught

with cultural misunderstanding, no one denied that

Sadaam continued to threaten and terrorize.

o - v • - v c j v * ' • International forces gathered at the Saudi-Kuwait border
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as large ships set sail, planes took flight, and military

bases buzzed with activity. War stared President Bush

square in the eyes.

Bush called for Americans to join together in prayer

and support for our country and our troops. For the first