[Editorial] Limit of Support for Anti-Terrorism War

The government announced yesterday that it would provide a military support team of medical personnel, transportation and other non-combat support for the United States regarding the U.S. anti-terrorism war. Such an announcement that was made even before the request from the U.S. appears to reflect the government`s intention to raise our status in the international society by declaring its active participation in the international anti-terrorist movement. The ruling and opposition parties welcomed the government’s decision in unison after a long time.

We are obliged to participate in the international coalition that aims at the eradication of inhumane terrorism not only because of our special tie with the United States as military alliance, but also because of our responsibility as a member of the international society. It is more so because Korea must show international leadership as it has the chairmanship of the United Nations General Assembly.

The question is the extent and the limit of the support. As a broad scheme was delivered at this time, the details of support plan should be determined according to the international situation as well as to our ability. The extent of the support should be decided thoroughly by taking into consideration how our unconditional support for the U.S. will affect our relation to Arab nations, and how our neighboring countries such as China, Japan and Russia will respond. Above all, the support should not add a burden to our economy facing difficulties.

The most delicate issue is the dispatch of combat troops. Kim Ha-Jung, floor leader of the National Security Council, said government would decide on the support measure collectively ``considering the combat situations, international opinions and the level of U.S. request.`` thus insinuating that this issue would be discussed again in the future.

However, the dispatch of combat troops must be considered with caution. Though some parts of military circles view it advantageous for our combat troops to have actual combat experience, the national sentiment should be considered prior to all others. Our first judgment is that the dispatch of combat troops will profit less and lose more because the combats will tend to take place where the combat lines and the enemies are not clearly identified and maybe prolonged.

Even though the anti-terrorism war can be equipped with moral justification, war by nature, reveals nothing but inhumane aspects. The miserable reality of Afghan refugees tells us so. The government should deal with this issue wisely by keeping the balance between international duty and national profit as the international society has begun to caution against careless military action.