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Lesson 18

The Fight against Terrorism in Iraq

Many people are divided in the fight against terrorism in

Iraq. The proponents of the war insist that this war is a just
cause for lending support to the US peacekeepers in the Mid-

dle East. The opponents demand the immediate withdrawal of
troops, condemning the war as senseless.” This war smacks of

American colonialism and greed. The Americans just want to
expand their sphere of influence to perpetuate their power in an

oil rich country”, an anti-US demonstrator argued. But the tide
may have changed in favor of maintaining a Korean military presence in Iraq with the

latest news: a Korean civilian was executed after the ultimatum was not met. “Unless

Seoul pulls out its forces by Wednesday one AM, one more head is going to roll” The
public reaction to this brutality was a curious mix of indignation and resignation: indig-

nation against The US president, the terrorists in Iraq, and The Korean government,
and resignation to continue support for US troops. Immediately after the execution,

Seoul reaffirmed it’s continued support for US troops. Whether that decision echoed
the sentiments of an indignant public or whether it’s just another succumbing to pres-

sure from Washington is a question concerned citizens must ask. And whether to

demand immediate withdrawal of all troops or continue deploying them is a decision
we all need to make. Or else we may be fighting another Vietnam.

Comprehension

1. Why are many people divided in the fight against terrorism?
2. What do the opponents demand?

Questions

1. Are you a proponent or an opponent of the war in Iraq? Justify
2. What do you think are the effect of the war of Iraq?

Vocabulary & Expressions
proponent: one who argues in favor of something
withdrawal: A retreat or retirement
condemning: To express strong disapproval of
indignation: strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting
sentiments: A thought, view, or attitude, especially one based mainly on emotion instead of reason
succumbing: To submit to an overpowering force or yield to an overwhelming desire; give up or give in

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