In his speech to the nation Monday night, President Bush attempted to make his case for a war with Iraq. Through twisted phrases and untrustworthy evidence, he hoped to gain popular support for his plans — but in doing so he alienated long cherished allies and some of his support here at home.

And what did his speech say about Iraq’s future? Will the United States truly “liberate” the people or merely replace their current despot with a more compliant one?

Many of the 30 nations the Bush administration named as the “coalition of the willing” are questionable partners at best. Several are small and frankly minor states that have little influence militarily or politically.

In others, the decision to join Bush’s campaign does not reflect the wishes of the people.

This is most relevant in Britain, where millions frequently demonstrate against the intentions of the United States. Many in Prime Minister Tony Blair’s cabinet have resigned in protest. Blair, who has been criticized as being Bush’s pet before, may very well be committing political suicide, not only for himself but for his Labor Party as well.

French relations will be most damaged by a war with Iraq. How will the United States deal with a France bitter about gallivanting imperialism? France is also a core member of the European Union. How will trade be impacted by an angry coalition of European states? Can our struggling economy survive such troubles?

In his speech, Bush described Americans as a “peaceful people.” Polls continually show a large portion of the population is against a war without the support of the United Nations. Now that we are going ahead with just that, how will those people react? Massive demonstrations are already being planned for the day the bombs begin to fall. Will President Bush continue to ignore the protesting multitudes?

Nevertheless the most important matter at hand is what will happen to Iraq after the war is over. It has been predicted that 3,000 bombs will be dropped on Iraq in the first 48 hours of the war. No matter how “smart” a bomb is, thousands of civilians will perish. Countless homes will be destroyed.

Is the United States prepared to rebuild those homes? With the economic slump, how will the United States fund the rebuilding without the financial support of other nations? And what will become of the Iraqi government? Bush said that “we will help you build a free Iraq.” But how can we insure that? In the discussions held here at TCU the week before Spring Break, many students were enlightened about the ethnic situation in Iraq — the distinct divisions between Kurds, Sunnis and the majority of Shi’ites. How will President Bush bring forth a just government from the feuding factions?

It is an understatement to say that the possibilities are staggering. The roots of decades of conflict may grow in the next few weeks, and the United States will be held directly responsible.

Let us hope when President Bush said “the tyrant will soon be gone” he was speaking in the long term.

Jeff Brubaker is a junior history major from Weslaco.