Proper education can save Iraq

The key to a new beginning...

Iraq is in turmoil as can be seen here and here. Wondering what to do about situations such as this will boggle historians for many years to come. The problem is...it should NOT boggle anyone! The reason for the secterian violence in Iraq is simple. Lack of education.

Some of you will think I'm crazy for labeling such a complicated problem with such an easy solution. However, I would like you to bare with me on this and let me know your thoughts in the 'Comments' section below.

First, let's take a look back to our own 'secterian violence' during the American Civil War. I call it this because, in reality, the violence in Iraq today is the same as the violence between our own people. People who chose to disagree strongly enough, that instead of debating the topic in a free open forum, they would rather kill the side that disagrees with them.

Religion or Slavery?

Iraq has two main religious sects in their country. The Sunni and the Shi'a make up most of the country's religious acolytes & followers. Shi'a Islam's followers currently make up a vast majority in Iraq over the Sunni version of Islam. It is in this majority & religious differences that the problem lies.

Much like the Hutu and Tutsi of the Rwanda genocide in the mid 90's, the violence today is being generated by the same part of the brain. One 'tribe' feels they are superior to the other 'tribe' OR feels that their religous doctrine should be the only one followed or even ALLOWED to be followed. This is craziness right?

This sounds an awful lot like how the South felt about slavery. They felt passionately enough about something that could have been discussed and resolved in a non-violent manner...but instead chose violence as the only course of action. So when it comes to countryman versus countryman...which is a more nobler cause? Religion or Slavery?

Education helps create Peace...

Neither of those are worth killing my fellow countryman in my opinion. So what would make people do it? I can sum it up in one simple phrase: Lack of a proper education. Now we all know that even with proper education a serial killer can be born. However, some are finding out that with proper education, you can ease racial tension. Should it not be said that a proper neutral education can help ease religious tensions as well? I think it should!

A proper education for all children could solve 90%-99% of all the world's problems. That's a statement I stand by and will continue to stand by until it is proven wrong. This most likely means I will be taking this stance to my grave...considering we, as a superpower, can't even educate all our own children properly.

A proper education across the world can accomplish a higher learning initiative that will trickle down for an entire generation. We can save this planet by saving our children. We can grow tolerence by destroying stupidity. We can start by investigating all the kindergarten through middle school teachers in Iraq for any hate-filled teachings. We can start by helping to ensure the proper education about the teachings of Islam through the Qur'an.

To battle!

The best way to battle racial and religious tension is to battle the lack of education in our rural and inner city schools. Everyone needs to go to their local PTA...contribute to their local charity that helps unfortunate children receive good educations.

I can only imagine how this country would be if it were more educated. For one, we would not have allowed a president we could 'drink a beer with' as the leader of our nation. We would want someone who could represent us respectfully no matter where he is or what he is doing. I cannot stress how important a good education is. I will be sending my children to the best school I can afford at the time. My wife and I are even willing to move if it means a better school district and a better education for our child.

I suggest we all begin making a positive influence on every child around us. Preach the good of a proper sideless education. Have a problem with evolution? That's fine...teach Creationism. But at least teach them BOTH so that tolerance is built.

It is okay to disagree with someone. It is NOT okay to kill them for it.