Absolute power corrupts absolutely. At the height of power, justice is denied and morality decays. This is true not only for individuals but also for countries. In the case of countries, not only do the people of that country suffer, but also the people of the world suffer.

In the annals of history, the power blocs faced four defeats. It is the lesson of history that powerful and mighty rulers had bowed down to the determination of nations.

They are the lessons learnt by Russia in Afghanistan. Then there was the lesson learnt in Vietnam by America. Then China learnt a lesson in Kampuchiya. Finally there was the bitter lesson learnt by India on the Sri Lankan soil.

It is unfortunate that despite the bitterest lesson that America learnt in Vietnam, wisdom has not dawned upon America. Having committed aggression initially in Afghan and later in Iraq, America is in a very poor predicament. America has not become wiser even after burning its fingers earlier in Vietnam. It appears that America can never reform from its experiences.

Bush put forward three reasons for its aggression in Iraq. The first and foremost reason he gave for America’s aggression was to destroy Saddam, who has links with Al Queda, in its fight against terrorism.

The second reason, he adduced, was to topple Saddam’s regime that possesses destructive weapons, and thereby save the world from disaster.

Finally, he explained that America is committed to oust a dictatorial regime in the region and establish democracy and stability in the country.

It has now been proved beyond all doubt that all three reasons are unjustifiable, meaningless and historic blunder.

Even after toppling Saddam’s regime and even after destroying Saddam physically, democracy has not bloomed in Iraq. Nor are there signs of establishing democracy in the near future. Instead there is only violence, bloodshed in the country. That was a great historic blunder by Bush.

By electing Bush for a second term of office as President, American people have subscribed to the blunder committed by Bush.

America and its allies have to pay a price for Bush’s blunder.

An English translation of the Editorial in Sudar Oli, a Tamil daily based in Colombo

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