“Forceful Diploma cy, Not Military Force”
overwhelmingly by the American people and the U.S. Congress – is
now on the table.
Today we have the possibility to turn the threat of war around. The
Obama administration’s new approach is a clear recognition of a
war-weary and war-opposing American people. The potential costs
of this new war – human and financial – are too great in this moment
of economic crisis for so many of America’s poor.
We stand against any possession, manufacture, or use of chemical
weapons – and the Convention Against Chemical Weapons must be
strengthened, not ignored. We don’t know for sure who used them in
Syria – an international inspection team, representing the United
Nations and the signatories of the Chemical Weapons Convention,
should be sent urgently to determine that. The UN presence would
also be an important step towards implementing a ceasefire.
This is a moment we can push for an end to all chemical weapons in
Syria – and then we can broaden that effort to push just as hard for
something the U.S. called for more than 20 years ago – a “zone in
the Middle East free of all weapons of mass destruction.” That
means chemical, nuclear, biological and all these weapons of horror.
No exceptions. Throughout the Middle East.
10 September 2013
Rev Jesse Jackson Sr. and Phyllis Bennis
Joint Statement on the Syrian Crisis (excerpts below)
We cannot forget 2002, when then-President Bush persuaded
Congress to vote for an authorization for war he claimed was only to
strengthen his diplomatic hand. As we know, that authorization was
instead used to justify an illegal war and occupation of Iraq, a war
whose consequences continue to be felt across the region and here
at home.
A potential alternative to a U.S. military strike – a strike opposed
The Pope reminds us “war brings on war. Violence brings on
violence.” Global leaders must have the “courage [to] take up the
way of negotiations.” The Pope’s call has been joined by Nobel
laureates, by Syrians desperate for an end to war, by diplomats and
generals, by peace and justice advocates and politicians. We have a
chance today. We must seize that chance.
From the New Haven Sunday Vigilers, 09/15/2013:
http://newhavensundayvigil.wordpress.com;
[email protected]
RESIST THIS ENDLESS WAR
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