|
|
|
|
|
A Strategy for Ending the 'war' in Iraq |
At our last meeting the Green Party of Kent County approved a draft plan to end the war against Iraq (reproduced below). We emphasize the word DRAFT - this is a starting point, not an end point. Wanting this (as we normally do) to be a collaborative effort, we seek constructive criticism and other input from all interested.
Many others, of course, locally as well as elsewhere, have put together such plans. In some cases those are fine efforts. None that we know of, however, have all that we would like to see. In other cases, such as proposals put forward at a recent forum by people billed as "experts", we believe the efforts, well-intentioned though they may be, are leading us in the wrong direction.
Respond via this list, or to us directly at:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Thank you.
Richa
for Green Party of Kent County
Plan to End the War Against Iraq – DRAFT
Green Party of Kent County
1) Starting immediately, and as rapidly as possible, withdraw USA military and support personnel in Iraq to existing bases on an interim basis, pending implementation of the rest of this plan.
2) Seek U.N. diplomatic and other support for Iraq peacemaking, overseen by the U.N. Do so in the context of publicly supporting this entire plan.
3) Bring U.N. forces to Iraq’s borders. Make the commitment that they will only be used if called for by Iraqi leaders who are recognized as such by most Iraqi people.
4) Plan for an orderly withdrawal of all U.S.A. military personnel, private groups that have supported those personnel, and war-supportive or complementary funding for selected Iraqi individuals or groups. Carry out that withdrawal.
5) Commit to the restoration of full sovereignty of the Iraqi citizenry. Cancel all U.S.A.-imposed laws and restrictions. Draw up and prepare to implement a plan closing all military bases and turning the facilities over to Iraq. Be willing to support re-drawing of borders if desired by significant groups within Iraq.
6) Send U.N. peacemakers and diplomats to determine what else is needed. Work with appropriate private groups, for example Christian Peacemaker Teams, Muslim Peace Fellowship.
7) Support the International Criminal Court. Submit to its jurisdiction on Iraq War questions. Abide by its judgments.
Rationale for this plan:
A withdrawal to existing bases in (or near) Iraq would be considerably easier to implement than a withdrawal from the country entirely. It is an interim step that can be done quickly and would accomplish much of the same aims as a withdrawal from the country, but would allow quick redeployment if other elements of the plan do not work out. In no way do we advocate such redeployment, but it allows that option in order to assuage the concerns of those who truly believe Iraq may be worse off without those troops.
The USA, by acting unilaterally in attacking Iraq, has once again shown itself to be an outlaw in the world community. Iraqi people especially, who have been devastated, understandably have turned against the USA. This has strained our country’s alliances, boosted the power of those who would harm us, drained resources that are needed both within our country and elsewhere, and compromised our security. Think how we would feel if we were similarly attacked. The U.N. is the most appropriate, neutral body that can deal with the difficulties associated with Iraq and the war against Iraq.
Truly respecting Iraqi sovereignty is a first step to gaining credibility in dealing with Iraqi violence. People can be expected to rebel when they are robbed of their fundamental freedoms and of their hope.
Funding and support for particular factions prolonged the war against Vietnam, resulting in tremendous additional suffering that served no purpose. The same can easily happen again if we do not take steps to prevent it.
The USA has imposed laws that give control of much of Iraq, including its oil, to foreign corporations. This is blatant stealing of resources that by law belong to the people of Iraq, and is much cause for resentment and distrust.
Iraq’s present borders were imposed by occupying powers, forcing different religious and ethnic groups to live under the same government. An arrangement providing at least some autonomy for these different groups has the potential to avert or reduce violence.
To gain cooperation and respect the USA must show that it is willing to abide by international law, the same as other countries. For its failure to do so, it must be prepared to pay the appropriate price, just as criminals in the USA are expected to pay for violating our laws.
Public accountability, as well as honesty, is necessary to restore trust, not just in criminal matters, but in every aspect pertaining to the war – in Iraq, here, and elsewhere throughout the world. This applies particularly to government officials and to dominant media. This whole process should be open, inclusive of all who express an interest.
War is inherently extremely damaging. If it is ever justifiable, that can only be when the rationale is clear and compelling. This is far from the case here. Even for us in the U.S.A., who are removed from most of the worst consequences, death and suffering of friends and loved ones as well as diversion of resources needed elsewhere has already had a profound effect, which will only get worse the longer the war continues.
- - - - -
Dialogue is action.
|
|
|
|
|
|