Freedom and Conflict

by bigpapaj

Even though the second Persian War happened in 480 BC, which is nearly two millenniums ago, there are still many common themes in the struggle for freedom. The Greeks faced off against a Persian army that outnumbered them 50 to 1. The Persian’s main goal was to eradicate the Greek’s way of life and thrust them into slavery if need be. “First they (the Greeks) will never accept conditions from you (Xerxes) that bring upon slavery to Hellas…they (the Greeks) will fight you whether they have an army of a thousand men, or more than that, or less.” (pg. 60-61) The Greeks had to fight off this existential threat in order to preserve their culture and let democracy and freedom reign. They weren’t going to back down anybody especially a nation that was trying to bring upon the end of freedom in their native lands. This war was a classic battle of eastern values vs western values. This is where geopolitics comes into play. Most wars that have occurred over the years have had similar implications. This is comparable to the “War on Terror” between the United States and the Middle East. Iraq posed a threat to democracy and freedom in the eyes of many Americans. After the bombings of 9/11 George Bush knew something had to be done. “We believe in the values that uphold the dignity of life: tolerance and freedom and the right of conscience. And we know that this way of life is worth defending.” (pg. 223)  This statement by Bush is main reason for the invading of Iraq. It is to uphold democracy and the culture of the United States against a rising threat in the Middle East.