Were we wrong to start a war?
Young people offer their perspective on the war on terrorism.
| America and Britain are doing it just to show poorer countries that they’re bigger and stronger. |
Are there any young people who haven't been affected by the current war on terrorism?
Wouldn't it be fair to say that the vast majority would give anything for the fighting to stop? Unfortunately it's adults that have the power to start or stop wars. And the chances of them listening to our wishes is pretty slim.
The young people we talked to all seem to agree that the continued fighting since the September 11 bombing is madness.
"I thought world government leaders would unite and use non-violent policies to overcome the problem - not start a war," said Lucas Dillon, 12. "I didn't think they would bomb and kill people in another country."
Michael Roberts, 15, thinks that as soon as the allied forces began a war on terrorism they became as bad as the terrorists they want to stop.
"Both America and Afghanistan are in the wrong because war doesn't solve anything. Both countries should realise how many people are suffering."
Juliana Lisk, 16, thinks that America's military action will backfire. Instead of tackling the problem it'll make things worse, encouraging more people on both sides to fight.
"I believe that America's attack on Afghanistan won't aid in their struggle against terrorism. It'll simply create a greater hate against the US, in turn developing more terrorists."
As the Allied forces continue to search for Osama Bin Laden they risk losing sight of what is really important, reckons Amy Magowan Green, 13.
"Emotion is running high and seems to be blurring world leaders' vision. Four days of global military spending would provide a year's worth of education for adults and young people across the world."
It's easy not to feel affected by an event that's taking place thousands of miles away. But as the war on terrorism drags on, more young people are feeling the strain.
"As an army cadet I've learned a lot about the havoc war can cause. But never once did I think that war could affect me personally," says Hugo McIveen, 15. "Some of my relatives are in the British army. They may go out to Afghanistan and not return, which is a horrifying thought."
The encouragement and support that Tony Blair has given America doesn't please Elly Gordon , 14. She thinks the Prime Minister should have acted differently:
"There's no point starting a war as Afghanistan has no army and hardly any money. America and Britain are getting nothing out of it. They're doing it just to show poorer countries that if they cross them then they're bigger and stronger."
Mark Luney,14, agrees that Britain's involvement, although worthy, is starting to test his patience:
"I don't feel as if my country is at war. I feel its America's problem and that Tony Blair is trying to justify Britain's role in the conflict."
Mark has found that the saturation coverage of the war has made him reflect seriously on his own life for the first time:
"The events of the past 3 months have made me realise that life is too short and shouldn't be taken for granted. I need to start thinking on a global scale."
Many young people we spoke to reckon America and its allies are punishing the Taliban regime for it's lack of respect for life and it's poor record on human rights. But is reacting to violence with more violence a good lesson?
"Ordinary people don't deserve to be caught up in these things. America is taking what was done to them and repeating it in Afghanistan. What are the young people of the world meant to learn from that?" says Kierra Box, 16.
"This is in many respects a religious war. But it ignores the most important point that religion can teach us: do unto others as you would have done unto yourself," she continued.
Afghanistan suffers from horrible winters, making deliveries of much needed food aid almost impossible. So how will the Allied forces justify attacking a country where millions of people could soon be starving?
"I think we need to insure that food gets in there, not just from a humanitarian point of view. It's unquestionably the right thing to do." said Oliver Robertson, 19.
"Of course there will eventually be peace. But that will clearly only follow war and bloodshed. It might sound naïve but why can't we have get to the peaceful outcome without having the war first?" he continued.
It's unlikely that Oliver or any of us will be consulted on what next steps are taken in the war on terrorism.
Thomas Kielty, 16, lives in Belfast and is no stranger to conflict. He thinks young people should at definitely be consulted on the war. After all, our generation will have to pick up the pieces.
"Not all people are like the terrorists who attacked the twin towers. It's the same in Belfast. There are some people who do stuff like this. But 99.9% don't. I think there should be a vote for everyone including young people. A majority would want peace."
About the team
This article was produced by Children's Express, and published as part of the Teen Talk page in the New Nation.
