Preparing the Offensive War

by Marie Braun, WAMM

For months, the Bush Administration has been preparing Americans for another war with Iraq, claiming that Saddam Hussein possesses weapons of mass destruction and presents a serious threat to national and global security. President Bush's recent address to West Point graduates, in which he states that the U.S. must strike first against "evil" regimes, clearly appears aimed at that country. Since Bush's address, it was reported in The Washington Post that earlier in the year Bush signed a presidential order directing the CIA to take covert action against Hussein--action some believe will precede and augment the coming war.

In addition to the fact that violence begets violence and war is, in itself, a form of terrorism, there are multiple reasons why an attack against Iraq would be immoral and unjustified. Foremost is the fact that it would undoubtedly result in the deaths of thousands of civilians, many of them children, and would cause immense suffering to a population already devastated by the Persian Gulf War and nearly twelve years of the most pervasive sanctions ever placed upon a country. Such a war could also result in the destabilization of Iraq and the whole of the Middle East, intensifying existing conflicts in the region and the suffering of ordinary citizens. And it would most certainly increase anti-American feeling.

A preemptive strike on a nation that has not attacked the U.S. and has not been proven to be connected with the events of September 11, 2001, would set a very dangerous precedent and would undermine both the UN Charter and international cooperation. The determination of the Administration to "go it alone" if necessary, would be a breach of international law and would alienate many in the international community. Neighboring Arab countries, including Kuwait, have expressed opposition to a war against Iraq. Opposition in Europe runs between 68 and 80 percent, depending on the poll one reads.

Additional military spending to support an intensive and extended war would cost tens of billions of our tax dollars and further erode support for domestic social programs, which are steadily and rapidly deteriorating. This war would also require a long-term military occupation. One must ask at what cost the U.S. undertakes this war and what happens when the U.S. leaves.

On May 24, 2002, the Washington Post reported that top U.S. military leaders are also expressing serious reservations about a war against Iraq. According to the article, the Joint Chiefs of Staff are concerned that an invasion of Iraq may require at least 200,000 troops, defense against chemical and biological weapons, and urban warfare that could kill thousands of U.S. troops and many more Iraqi civilians.

It is gratifying to learn that some people in the government are beginning to question the wisdom of an attack on Iraq. While the Administration's war agenda has seemed unstoppable, like a giant steamroller out of control, there are some indications that a real debate is going on behind the scenes. We can become a significant force in that debate by contacting the President and our legislators and insisting that they resist any moves by the Administration to enter into an immoral, illegal, and costly war with Iraq.

WAMM Action!

Concerned about the pending war and current covert actions in Iraq? Write or call your elected representatives and the Administration and let them know your concerns.

U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
202-224-3121

United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
202-224-3121

President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
202-456-1111

Donald H. Rumsfeld
Secretary of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1000
703-428-0711

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
202-647-6575

WAMM Action!

For more than three years, the vigil for peace on the Lake Street/ Marshall Ave. Bridge has continued. In light of U.S. war plans against Iraq, the importance of a public presence for peace is growing. The vigil will continue each Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.

WAMM is making a special effort to draw a larger group to the vigil every third Wednesday. If you can only come occasionally to the bridge, we encourage you to come on the third Wednesday of each month. If you can come more often, please do!

Vigil for Peace
Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Lake Street/Marshall Avenue Bridge

Parking available one block east of the bridge. Start on the St. Paul side. Signs provided. FFI: 612-827-5364.