Saddam must be tried in an International Court. There is a quip that “International Law is no law.” The reason being that for every law to be respected and followed there must be a power to enforce it. Since globally we lack such a definitive power, the International Law takes a back seat, and is thus it is no law.

After having learnt lessons from the failure of the League of Nations, a better instrument the United Nations Organization (UNO) was born. UNO is effective even though its record is not perfect. To guide mankind we can look toward (i) the Declaration of Independence of July 4, 1776, and the Constitution of the United States of America; and (ii) Charter of the united nations which was signed on June 26, 1945.

As American citizens we take pride in our democratic institutions which were achieved after the loss of many lives of brave American men and women both at home and abroad. The end of fascism in Germany, Italy and Japan, and what communism, Russia, China, and Vietnam and other countries should inspire others like Cuba and North Korea. With international involvement under the leadership of the united States, very soon democracy will take roots there too.

Impeding the progress of democracy are the despotic and religiously fanatic regimes. USA as a legitimate world leader with a clear vision, took action in Iraq even when other members of the United Nations were reluctant. Capturing Saddam is surely a big victory for democracy against not just the outposts, but one of the mainstays of terrorist organizations.

The United through the General Assembly, that embodies the Legislative Functions of the world body, has done a fairly good job by discussing relevant issues and passing resolutions. The Executive functions are addressed by Security Council and the office of the Secretary. What is required now is an international judiciary.

In the civil portion of International Law, the role of World Trade Organization is commendable, and it must be strengthened. It is unfortunate that Nuremberg Tribunal, even though it did an excellent job, could not transform itself into a credible and Permanent International Court of Criminal Justice.

We now have a grand opportunity to set up such a permanent institution. It will be of great service to humanity. Saddam’s trial in an International Court will give a clear message to all terrorists and oppressive regimes that just short of God they are answerable to Him through his creation - humankind. This will be another victory, and a much needed one at this stage.For those who harbor or support terrorists, it will be a message that their day of reckoning is close.

Saddam’s trial in Iraq will have great weaknesses has its shortcomings. First, it will be a message to locals only, and a mixed message at that. Second, Saddam is a Sunni. Iraq has three distinct ethnic groups: Kurds, Sunnis and Shiias. Sunnis are a minority. Saddams atrocities were against Kurds and Shiias. If they are in majority in the tribunal for trial, it will be considered a case of vengeance.

A permanent International Criminal Court of Justice provides the hope that persecution of people will not go unnoticed, and all those leaders responsible for it will be punished. Of course the execution of such judgments will await the capture of those oppressors. This will be a giant step forward towards lasting world peace.

Fauja Singh edured slurs in his seven and one half hour run when some people jeered "Hey, Osama Bin Laden" and "Look at Saddam".

There are no words to describe this remarkable event. At 93 years-old, S Fauja Singh participated in New York Marathon with the objective of creating awareness of Sikhs in USA post September 11, that had resulted in hate crimes against the Sikh community. Unlike many of us, the elderly, who have chosen to while away our time, Fauja Singh has decided to be proactive and involves himself in community events.

I was magnificently delighted by the spirit of British Sikhs who bore all the expenses. It is an example that we must learn from. In the city where the lady of liberty lifts her lamp “besides the golden door”, S Fauja Singh brought with him a message of love and friendship from the British people to their brothers and sisters in America. His victory was a gift to the people of New York.

I also feel delighted with S Baldev Singh Grewal, editor of Sher-e-Panjab for the quality of reporting in his journal.

USA is a country of immigrants. I remember when in 1973, we were opening the first Gurdawara in Houston and sending out the invitations, we included just a page of write up about Sikhs. In that little write up we mentioned that Dr. Dalip Singh Saund, the First Asian to be the elected Congressman in the House of Representative was a Sikh. That insertion made many eyebrows go up. It sounded as if we have arrived. We got instant acceptance by the good spadework done by our ancestors.

Now we accomplished success in medicine, engineering, law, accounting, teaching, nursing, business and many other fields. Our younger generation is doing marvelously well. Here comes Dr. Chirinjeev Singh Kathuria, a medical doctor, an MBA from Stanford, a businessman par excellent, and a visionary who thought of a private enterprise in space. Read Greg Klerkk’s column in HC of January 22, 2004 and his book Lost in Space: The Fall of NASA and the Dream of a New Space Age.

Kathuria is running as a republican for the US Senate from Illinois. We need visionary leaders with impeccable records of achievements in Washington DC. I am reminded of a great movie of the ‘50s called Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Now half a century later, our Mission must be “Mr. Singh Goes to Washington.”

As members of the Asian and the sub-continent community, let us do some soul searching. Is this not history in the making? Be a supporter and part of it. You will be creating recognitions for the future generations. Chirinjeev’s visibility will lend strength to your endeavors, too. Let us come out of the shadows and forget our differences to help him accomplish the mission.

This is the time for all Asians – from India and elsewhere – to come forward and stand by Dr. Kathuria. Let us get involved. I remember a silly arguments in the ethnic rress about Bobby Jindal not being a Hindu since he is a convert to Christianity. We should not make same mistake again.

How can you help?

(1) As Americans say “In God We Trust”. Let us pray for him and America our homeland.

(2) If you are a voter in Illinois, you must come out and vote for him. If you are not an Illinois voter, you must call your friends and relatives who live there to vote for Kathuria.

(3) Send monetary contribution to his campaign fund. No matter how small. “For want of a nail, a shoe was lost, for want of a shoe, a horse was lost and for want of a horse, the battle was lost”, your help is like that proverbial nail. Visit his website: www.kathuriaforsenate.com

Vote for Dr. Chirinjeev Singh Kathuria for US Senate 2004




Copyright©2003 Jasbir Singh Sethi. About the author