CUBAN PRESIDENT FIDEL CASTRO:
'The tragedy should not be used to recklessly start a
war'
Speech given by Cuban President Fidel Castro on Sept.
22.
No one can deny that terrorism is today a dangerous and
ethically indefensible phenomenon, which should be eradicated
regardless of its deep origins, the economic and political
factors that brought it to life, and those responsible for
it.
The unanimous irritation caused by the human and
psychological damage brought on the American people by the
unexpected and shocking death of thousands of innocent people
whose images have shaken the world is perfectly understandable.
But who have profited? The extreme right, the most backward and
right-wing forces, those in favor of crushing the growing world
rebellion and sweeping away everything progressive that is
still left on the planet. It was an enormous error, a huge
injustice and a great crime, whoever organized or are
responsible for such action.
However, the tragedy should not be used to recklessly start
a war that could actually unleash an endless carnage of
innocent people, all under the peculiar and bizarre name of
"Infinite Justice."
In the last few days we have seen the hasty establishment of
the basis, the concept, the true purposes, the spirit and the
conditions for such a war. No one would be able to affirm that
it was not something thought out well in advance, something
that was just waiting for its chance to materialize. Those who,
after the so-called end of the Cold War, continued a military
build-up and the development of the most sophisticated means to
kill and exterminate human beings were aware that their large
military investments would give them the privilege to impose an
absolute and complete dominance over the other peoples of the
world. The ideologists of the imperialist system knew very well
what they were doing and why they were doing it.
After the shock and sincere sorrow felt by every people on
Earth for the atrocious and insane terrorist attack that
targeted the American people, the most extremist ideologists
and the most belligerent hawks, already established in
privileged power positions, have taken command of the most
powerful country in the world, whose military and technological
capabilities would seem infinite. Actually, its capacity to
destroy and kill is enormous, while its inclination towards
equanimity, serenity, thoughtfulness and restraint is
minimal.
The combination of elements--including complicity and the
common enjoyment of privileges--the prevailing opportunism,
confusion and panic make it almost impossible to avoid a bloody
and unpredictable outcome.
The first victims of whatever military actions are
undertaken will be the billions of people living in the poor
and underdeveloped world, with their unbelievable economic and
social problems, their unpayable debts and the ruinous prices
of their basic commodities; their growing natural and
ecological catastrophes, their hunger and misery, the massive
undernourishment of their children, teenagers and adults, their
terrible AIDS epidemic, their malaria, their tuberculosis and
their infectious diseases that threaten whole nations with
extermination.
The grave economic world crisis was already a real and
irrefutable fact affecting absolutely every one of the big
economic power centers. Such crisis will inevitably grow deeper
under the new circumstances, and when it becomes unbearable for
the overwhelming majority of the peoples, it will bring chaos,
rebellion and the impossibility to govern.
But the price will also be unpayable for the rich countries.
For years to come it would be impossible to speak strongly
enough about the environment and ecology, or about ideas and
research done and tested, or about projects for the protection
of nature--because that space and possibility would be taken by
military actions, war and crimes as infinite as "Infinite
Justice," that is, the name given to the war operation to be
unleashed.
Can there be any hope left after having listened, hardly 36
hours ago, to the speech made by the president before the U.S.
Congress?
I will avoid the use of adjectives, qualifiers or offensive
words towards the author of that speech. They would be
absolutely unnecessary and untimely when the tensions and
seriousness of the moment advise thoughtfulness and equanimity.
I will limit myself to underline some short phrases that say it
all:
"We will use every necessary weapon of war."
"Americans should not expect one battle, but a lengthy
campaign unlike any other we have ever seen."
"Every nation in every region now has a decision to make.
Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists."
"I've called the armed forces to alert and there is a
reason. The hour is coming when America will act and you will
make us proud."
"This is the world's fight, this is civilization's
fight."
"I ask for your patience [...] in what will be a long
struggle."
"The great achievement of our time and the great hope of
every time, now depend on us."
"The course of this conflict is not known, yet its outcome
is certain. [...] And we know that God is not neutral."
I ask our fellow countrymen to meditate deeply and calmly on
the ideas contained in several of the above-mentioned
phrases:
Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists.
No nation of the world has been left out of the dilemma, not
even the big and powerful states; none has escaped the threat
of war or attacks.
We will use any weapon.
No procedure has been excluded, regardless of ethics, or any
threat, however fatal--either nuclear, chemical, biological or
any other.
It will not be short combat but a lengthy war, lasting many
years, unparalleled in history.
It is the world's fight; it is civilization's fight.
The achievements of our times and the hope of every time,
now depend on us.
Finally, an unheard of confession in a political speech on
the eve of a war, and no less than in times of apocalyptic
risks:
The course of this conflict is not known; yet its outcome is
certain. And we know that God is not neutral.
This is an amazing assertion. When I think about the real or
imagined parties involved in that bizarre holy war that is
about to begin, I find it difficult to make a distinction about
where fanaticism is stronger.
On Thursday, before the United States Congress, the idea was
sketched out of a world military dictatorship under the
exclusive rule of force, irrespective of any international laws
or institutions. The United Nations Organization, simply
ignored in the present crisis, would fail to have any authority
or prerogative whatsoever. There would be only one boss, only
one judge, and only one law.
We have all been ordered to ally either with the United
States government or with terrorism.
Cuba, the country that has suffered the most and the longest
from terrorist actions, the one whose people are not afraid of
anything because there is no threat or power in the world that
can intimidate it--with a high morale, Cuba claims that it is
opposed to terrorism and opposed to war. Although the
possibilities are now remote, Cuba reaffirms the need to avert
a war of unpredictable consequences whose very authors have
admitted not having the least idea of how the events will
unfold. Likewise, Cuba reiterates its willingness to cooperate
with every country in the total eradication of terrorism.
An objective and calm friend should advise the United States
government against throwing young American soldiers into an
uncertain war in remote, isolated and inaccessible places, like
a fight against ghosts, not knowing where they are or even if
they exist or not, or whether the people they kill are or are
not responsible for the death of their innocent fellow
countrymen killed in the United States.
Cuba will never declare itself an enemy of the American
people, who are today subjected to an unprecedented campaign to
sow hatred and a vengeful spirit, so much so that even the
music that sings of peace has been banned. On the contrary,
Cuba will make that music its own, and even our children will
sing their songs to peace while the announced bloody war
lasts.
Whatever happens, the territory of Cuba will never be used
for terrorist actions against the American people and we will
do everything within our reach to prevent such actions against
that people. Today we are expressing our solidarity while
urging to peace and calmness. One day they will admit we were
right.
We will defend our independence, our principles and our
social achievements with honor to the last drop of blood if we
are attacked!
It will not be easy to fabricate pretexts to do it. They are
already talking about a war using all the necessary weapons,
but it will be good to recall that not even that would be a new
experience. Almost four decades ago, hundreds of strategic and
tactical nuclear weapons were aimed at Cuba and nobody
remembers anyone in our country sleepless over that.
We are the same sons and daughters of that heroic people,
with a patriotic and revolutionary conscience that is higher
than ever. It is time for serenity and courage.
The world will grow aware of this and will raise its voice
in the face of the terrible threatening drama that it is about
to suffer.
As for Cubans, this is the right time to proclaim more
proudly and resolutely than ever:
Socialism or death!
Homeland or death!
We shall overcome!
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