Letter: Invasion of Iraq was violation of international law

Tuesday, July 5, 2005 | 9:05 a.m.

A few days ago President Bush gave a speech at Fort Bragg, N.C. -- home of the paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division. I happen to be a veteran of that Division. As a veteran, I am ashamed that President Bush is currently the commander-in-chief of our country. I thought his speech was pathetic. The president and others supporting the immoral war in Iraq continue to ignore the fact that a country, which was not a threat to the United States, was invaded for manufactured reasons.

Research conducted almost a year ago by the John Hopkins School of Public Health, et al, and published in the Lancet medical journal, have shown that the invasion led to the deaths of over 100,000 Iraqi men women and children. This war involved prisoner abuse, torture and resulted in condemnation by human rights organizations. This is a war that has led to an increase, rather than a decrease, in worldwide terrorism. This is a war that has eroded, perhaps irreparably, the credibility of our country.

Instead of implying that the tragic losses of 9/11 had any nexus with Iraq, they're being manufactured by our presence. More than 1,700 American men and women have given their lives for the unapologetic and vain pursuit of the president and his administration.

Ends do not justify means. We are supposed to be a nation of laws, and no Texas accent can disguise the fact that another country was invaded illegally in violation of international law. President Bush will be remembered in history books, but not for the reasons he desires.

ALGIRDAS LESKYS