But the human tragedy in Iraq wasn't an act of god. It was the result of decisions taken in foreign countries. The tragedy need never have unfolded. It is impossible for me to believe that this terrible situation in Iraq could not have been avoided. I remember even before the first Gulf War that Saddam proposed withdrawing from Kuwait and paying compensations in exchange for the convening of an international peace conference to address the wider middle-east issues. This was rejected and war was chosen instead. It seems we still don't consider human life and human suffering as a big deal in international affairs