World Demonstrations Strengthen Iraqis

Taken from: http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/resist/2006/0329demonstrations.htm

Angeline Chua, Political Expert

My Reflections

Globalization has resulted in the rise of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), religious groups as well as peace groups worldwide, which now hold a revolutionary form of power. When this power is at its peak, there is a high possibility for it to even surpass that of national governments that hold power only in their own countries. It is able to transcend the limitations of national borders as different nationalities put aside their differences to come together under a common cause. An example of such organizations includes the European Union, the United Nations, and the International Monetary Fund.

In the case of the Iraq War, the article has mentioned several NGOs in the United States that have conducted demonstrations and protests in the hope of ending the Iraq War. These include the Muslim Scholars Association, a group that represents the Sunni Muslims in Iraq, United for Peace and Justice, the anti-war group that is in charge of organizing protests against the war throughout the United States and Progressive Democrats of America which has also organized demonstrations alike, to name a few.

It can also be seen from this the consequences of our globalized world today. We have transformed drastically as compared to what we were years back, and a reversion is also impossible. Non-governmental organizations are now able to represent and stand up for the interests of the bulk of the citizens within a country, when the government has chosen to ignore public opinion and has insisted on doing things its way. In this case, the US Congress has persisted on sending tens and thousands of US troops to Iraq despite violent objections from the majority of the citizens in Untied States. In fact, these organizations, such as the Military Families Speak up, are now part of the efforts to "put pressure on the Congress to end the war".
Below is an excert taken from "Frustration Marks Another War Anniversary" by Haider Rizvi:

"Fully-funded safe withdrawal within a year is not an extreme position," said Tim Carpenter, director of Progressive Democrats of America, whose group has been active in organising anti-war protests. "It's the position of 60 percent of the American people," he added in a statement citing a recent USA Today newspaper poll.

People across the globe are also aware of the new power that possess that can impact major decisions in our globalized world today. National governments no longer have the last say to decisions on the outcome of issues that have citizens embroilled into it, in this case, sending more than 3,200 US troops to death while fighting the Iraq war and having 63,000 wounded.
In fact, many have seized at the opportunity to exercise this power, and fight for their rights.

Below is another excerpt from the same article as above:

Despite cold temperatures, at least 40,000 people took part in the New York rally, with women's participation more visible than ever before at anti-war events. Elsewhere outside the United States, huge rallies also took place in many European cities and Australia. Some estimates suggest that the turnout in Spain was close to 100,000.

The New York rally was held to mark the third war anniversary since the invasion of Iraq in 2003. From the figures shown, it can be seen how many have took it upon themselves to stop the war.

We should be thankful for this globalized world that we have right now, where we can be certain that every single one of us is significant enough to make a difference and change the world, so long as we are willing to take ownership and step forward.

Other resources: http://www.globalpolicy.org/ngos/advocacy/protest/iraq/2007/0319frustration.htm