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"Iraq is in a helluva mess".
James A. Baker III, former US Secretary of State, October 2006

by George Paz Martin and Julie Byrnes Enslow

"There is no military solution to a problem like that in Iraq," stated General David Petraeus in March of 2007. Yet his appearance before Congress in early April of 2008 was an attempt to rationalize Bush's plan for US troops to remain in Iraq indefinitely.

Phyllis Bennis, of the Institute for Policy Studies, gave an insightful analysis of the Petraeus-Crocker hearings on Iraq, addressing Petraeus' four main points.

1. "Iran is the problem in Iraq." The single most important purpose of the Petraeus-Crocker hearing was to ratchet up tensions with Iran. Much of Petraeus' testimony had to do with the danger of Iran's "malign intentions" in Iraq. His view was that virtually all the current problems in Iraq come back to the dangerous role of Iran. The US occupation, apparently, has nothing to do with the violence and instability. Nothing was mentioned about Iran's widely known role in facilitating the ceasefire between al Sadr's militia and the US and Iraqi military forces during the recent fighting in Basra. His testimony added fuel to an existing escalation of anti-Iran mobilization in Washington. We should not rule out the dangerous possibility of a US military strike against Iran.
2. "The 'surge' is the sole reason for the reduction of violence in Iraq." While an additional 30,000 armed soldiers has some impact on suppressing violence in certain areas, other conditions had far more impact. First, the unilaterally-declared ceasefire by al Sadr's Mahdi Army. Second, the creation of the Sunni "awakening councils," in which about 80,000 former anti-US militia members from a variety of groups were bought off – armed, paid and supported by the US in new, and for the moment pro-US, militias. Third, mass numbers of civilians have moved out of formerly mixed neighborhoods in Baghdad and other cities, many becoming refugees, and leaving forced homogenous communities. With that accomplished, much of the reason for violence has disappeared.
3. "The premature draw-down of our forces would likely have devastating consequences." Petraeus called for an indefinite halt to troop reductions once the number is reduced to "pre-surge" levels – 140,000. He said conditions would be assessed "over time." There is no plan or intention to seriously cut back the numbers of troops and end the occupation. Although Clinton's and Obama's plans call only for withdrawing combat troops, leaving behind 30,00 to 75,000 training, guarding, counter-terrorism and other troops, Petraeus' warnings of "dangerous consequences" were constant. [Let us remember that for years over 80% of the Iraqi people have supported the end of the US occupation.]
4. "Support the $110 billion funding bill." Are we surprised? Worst of all the Democratic leadership in congress has made clear they have no intention of challenging the next supplemental funding bill for the war.

What CAN Be Done?

Many people opposed to the war still ask, "Can we 'just leave' Iraq in such a mess?" Leaving Iraq in a responsible manner does not mean continuing the military occupation until everything is perfect. It never will be perfect. We must begin the process of leaving now by taking the following steps. Many of these would be taken simultaneously.

• Announce an end to the US occupation of Iraq and begin removing all US troops, private contractors and necessary equipment, using existing war funds. Leave no US bases.
• Convene a regional conference for the purpose of developing a security and stabilization force for Iraq. The conference must include Iran, Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. The civil war in Iraq threatens the stability of nations throughout the region.
• Have the UN (using predominantly Muslim countries) establish a stabilization or peacemaking role if that is the wish of the Iraqi people.
• Bring together all factions in Iraq who are willing to sit down and work together in good faith to end the violence and develop a political solution.
• Let the Iraqis control the future of their own oil industry. No manipulation of Iraqi law by the US for privatization.
• Address the refugee crisis in Iraq and in surrounding countries.
• Pay for reconstruction of Iraq by Iraqis.
• Pay reparations to Iraqis for loss of life, injuries and property damage.
• Help develop a process of national reconciliation in Iraq.
• Assure Iraqi economic recovery without the World Bank or IMF imposing their "structural adjustment" conditions for loans.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich introduced a detailed 12-point plan for Iraq (PDF file) over a year ago in the House of Representatives. It is worth reviewing.

Call your Congressperson Gwen Moore (Milw.) or Jim Sensenbrenner (North and West suburbs) and Senators Kohl and Feingold. Tell them NO MORE MONEY FOR THE WAR IN IRAQ! BRING OUR TROOPS HOME! DC Capitol Switchboard toll free numbers: 800-828-0498, 800-459-1887, 800-614-2803

5th Anniversary Call to Action

March 19, 2008 is the fifth anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq and the beginning of the sixth year of war and occupation, senseless death and massive destruction. This is the year the anti-war movement must up the ante, pull out all the stops and build so much pressure that the war will finally be brought to an end.

United for Peace and Justice is calling for and supporting a set of actions on and around the 5th anniversary that will manifest the intensifying opposition to the war and help strengthen our movement.

• March 13-16, Winter Soldier Hearings in Washington, DC. Organized by Iraq Veterans Against the War. There will also be local IVAW events.
• March 19, Mass Nonviolent Civil Disobedience in Washington, DC. Initiated, planned and organized by United for Peace and Justice. We encourage people to be in DC that day to take part in the mass action or assist in support work. We would like to have all 50 states represented.
• March 15 - March 19, Local Actions Throughout the Country. Many communities, including Milwaukee, will have large demonstrations and marches on Sat. March 15. Others will have events on Wed., March 19, including local CD actions in support of the mass action in Washington, DC.

Peace Action Wisconsin encourages our members throughout Wisconsin to participate in these anniversary actions to end the US war and occupation. The Milwaukee Coalition for a Just Peace is organizing a mass rally in downtown Milwaukee for Sat., March 15, at 1 pm. There will be a short rally at the O'Donnell Park Plaza at the far east end of Wisconsin Ave., followed by a march to Veterans Park and back.

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Fair Elections?

By Joe Radoszewski

Peace Action member Joe Radoszewski responded to the ""blatant travesty played out before our eyes" in the events leading up to the Jan. 15 Democratic presidential candidates 'debate' on MSNBC. We thought it was important information to share.  

Last night, at the last moment, Dennis Kucinich, the only Democratic candidate still standing who doesn't toe the party line, was excluded from the debates in a fashion which no one could interpret as anything other than complete corporate takeover of our government. 

NBC had initially refused to allow Kucinich to join the "debate" after inviting the fourth place winner to participate, which NBC thought would be Richardson (who dropped out). When Kucinich moved into fourth place, NBC un-invited him within 48 hours and did so with blatant impunity. Kucinich went to a federal judge who issued an order for NBC to cease and desist or he would stop the debate if Kucinich was not allowed to join in. NBC, at the eleventh hour, had the audacity to go to the Nevada Supreme Court and get a reversal on that ruling, thereby allowing NBC to once again refuse to have Kucinich in the debate.

All this in a matter of hours! Think about it! Who has power like that? NBC is owned by GE which also owns Raytheon, 2 of the largest contractors for the US military industrial complex. That is who is controlling the airwaves. That is who orchestrated the kinds of questions asked the three candidates and, along with a meager two handfuls of other media owners, are the ones controlling the spin that we, as unwitting citizens, are being bombarded with daily. To make matters worse, none of the other candidates refused to be in the debate because, unlike Kucinich, they are all already bought. Of the three, only Barack Obama even said anything about it.

See www.democracynow.com and check their Jan. 16, '08 program where Kucinich is interviewed following the previous night's debate from which he was excluded.

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Stands for Peace are Good for Your Spirits!

If you are down in the dumps about this seemingly endless war there is a simple cure. Join a Stand for Peace on a regular basis and lift your spirits. There is nothing like hearing all those car horns "honking for peace" to convince you that most of the people in this country want to end this war and occupation. Yes, there will be the occasional finger or someone telling you to "get a job" but you can handle that. Your being out there on a street corner with others gives those who pass by a chance to be in solidarity with you. We are not alone. We are the majority!

Laura Kukor is one of the most faithful participants in Milwaukee's weekly Stand for Peace against the war in Iraq. A first grade teacher from Cudahy, she travels by city bus to our Stands all over the city and arrives with contagious enthusiasm. Reflecting on her experience, Laura stated, "I can see how I've changed as a person the past two and a half years since I started participating in Stands for Peace. I never dreamed I'd be there every week but the more I went, the fact that I was doing something sparked a new attitude inside of me. I began circulating petitions, calling my reps in DC, and going to national demos on the bus. I feel I've blossomed as a person and as a citizen - and it all started with a Stand for Peace!"

For a listing of regular Anti-War Vigils or Stands for Peace throughout Wisconsin go to the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice website, www.wnpj.org. See the current schedule for Milwaukee here

Steve Shea teaches at MATC in Milwaukee and was our top voter registrar before the last national elections. Steve is a regular at the Stand for Peace and usually has his own one-man parade carrying a peace flag from corner to corner as the light changes at the intersection. Steve says, "The Stand for Peace is the highlight of my week. It gives me hope and keeps me going for the next seven days."

Top Ten Reasons Why I Stand for Peace Each Saturday

by Laura Kukor

1. I have blossomed as a citizen in more ways than I can count.
2. I stand up for my beliefs.
3. I have wonderful conversations with the great people who stand with me.
4. I have the chance to let others know that they are not alone in their opposition to this war.
5. I feel more connected to Peace Action.
6. I feel good about myself.
7. I have the opportunity to explore new neighborhoods.
8. I have the chance to wear my peace clothing.
9. I'm out in the fresh air and sunshine for an hour.
10. I indulge in a latte after each stand!