Iraq Crisis Underscores Need for New Policies
Right now, humanitarian aid organizations are busy preparing for a crisis in Iraq. Top intelligence officials at the Department of Defense recently indicated that faced with a US invasion, Saddam Hussein may launch a missile attack against Israel and against US facilities abroad, and may also implement a "scorched-earth strategy" in Iraq. The Iraqi people, and other people of the Middle East, are now wedged between US threats of force and the response military action will provoke from Hussein. Either way, those who deserve it least are likely to suffer the greatest.
UN staff members estimate that 2 million Iraqis will leave their homes if war breaks out, on top of the 1.1 million already displaced. War is also likely to upset the food distribution system in Iraq, putting the 14 million dependent on this system at risk.
The picture of Iraq during and following war is grim. This is not the same picture that we would see were the US wholeheartedly supporting a fair weapons inspections process and exploring additional diplomatic options.
The Bush Administration's plans for a preemptive invasion of Iraq have created a polarizing debate in the international community. A number of nations have taken a strong stand in support of the UN weapons inspection process. These include China, Russia, Germany, France and Belgium. One German official indicated that 11 of the 15 members of the UN Security Council support extending the inspections. Yet, the administration continues to threaten unilateral action, further widening the international rift.
Global problems, such as terrorism or the threat of weapons of mass destruction, require cooperative global solutions. The US could be a leader in a fair inspections process. Instead, we continue to alienate some of our strongest allies and harm our future position to move forward with global initiatives.
Recently, CIA Director George Tenet stated "More has changed on proliferation over the past year than any other issue." It was reported in the Washington Post that Tenet has warned that more small countries are now attempting to obtain nuclear weapons and that "we have entered a new world of proliferation." Tenet's comments are a testament to the failure of the administration's nuclear policies.
The President's aggressive nuclear policies have increased the threat of the use of nuclear weapons. As spelled out in the Nuclear Posture Review, the administration's nuclear weapons plan, the US has announced that it is targeting several countries for a potential first strike and is working to develop new nuclear capabilities.
According to Tenet, North Korea, Iraq, Iran and Libya have all moved to obtain equipment to produce weapons grade nuclear materials. North Korea has made it clear that they have resumed their nuclear weapons programs to deter a pre-emptive US attack. This potential spread of nuclear weapons development plainly speaks to the need for a stronger international nonproliferation effort. This is an effort that the United States could lead, but it will take a major turnaround in US policy, and it will need to start at home.
The Bush administration's foreign policy strategy continues to create an ever-more-dangerous global situation. We must assert the need for a better path for our country and for a foreign policy based on human rights and democracy, reducing the threat of weapons of mass destruction, and cooperation with the world community.
Get Your Representative to Sign the Pledge
Urge your members of Congress to assert leadership for a new American foreign policy. Use the sample letter below and advise them to support human rights and democracy, reduce the threat of weapons of mass destruction, and build international cooperation by signing on to the Pledge for a New Foreign Policy.
Sample LetterDear Rep. __________,
I urge you to sign Peace Action's Pledge for a New Foreign Policy. The Bush doctrine of unilateral policy and pre-emptive attacks is destabilizing the globe and further threatening American safety. It is critical that Congress advocate for a foreign policy based on reducing the threat of weapons of mass destruction, international cooperation, and the promotion of human rights and democracy if we are to improve the safety and lives of Americans and people throughout the world.
Please write to let me know that you will be taking a leadership stand on these issues by signing the Pledge for a New Foreign Policy.
Sincerely,
Your Name and Address
Download the Pledge for a New Foreign Policy.
Find out who represents you at congress.org
