Say No to Another War in the Middle East

We urge LPF members to tell President Obama and your members of Congress that you oppose the U.S. engaging in any form of military action in response to the growing conflict in Iraq. The peace community is united around this position, and for good reason. A wide range of experts agree that military action would not be an effective and constructive response to the conflict. In fact, it could easily make a bad situation worse -- "like pouring gasoline on a fire" is how one Peace Action leader put it. So please contact your elected leaders today!

A little background: In the past decade, the US invasion of Iraq, other military action, and taking sides in regional differences (and demonizing others a "terrorist") have played a major role in deepening existing conflicts. Instead, as we have been saying for years, the US needs to join with other nations to use diplomacy and address the roots of these conflict(s) such as poverty and discrimination. At the same time, we need to help ease tensions and move toward reconciliation among the various groups (Shia, Sunni, Kurd, etc.). Such a longer-range approach has its own challenges, but imagine if a decade ago, we had begun spending even a tenth of what the war cost on development aid, supporting democratic initiatives, working with other nations.

We need to put a barrier in front of the push for military action; and move the US toward collaborative action with other nations on strategies that have a chance of success over the long-term. Contact your elected officials today!

Diplomacy Not More Arms Needed in Iraq and Syria
http://davidcortright.net/2014/06/12/diplomacy-not-more-arms-needed-in-iraq-and-syria/

As Obama Considers Drone Strikes in Iraq, Could U.S. Military Action
Worsen Sectarian Conflict?
http://www.democracynow.org/2014/6/16/as_obama_considers_drone_strikes_in

"5 Principals for Iraq," by Thomas Friedman, NY Times, 6-15-14
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/15/opinion/sunday/thomas-friedman-5-principles-for-iraq.html?ref=opinion

"Stay Out of Sectarian Civil Wars" -------could be in 2nd section
http://tomhayden.com/home/stay-out-of-sectarian-civil-wars.html

other useful links:
"The Almighty Mess in Iraq"
http://ericmargolis.com/2014/06/the-allmighty-mess-in-iraq/

"7 talking points you need for discussing the Iraq crisis" ---------could be in 1st section
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/06/talking-points-iraq-crisis

"The Iraq Mess: Place Blame Where it Is Deserved, by John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 6-13-14 blog post
www.newyorker.com%2Fonline%2Fblogs%2Fjohncassidy%2F2014%2F06%2Fthe-iraq-mess-place-the-blame-where-it-is-deserved.html

"Report from Iraq: U.S. Invasion in 2003 Helped Set Path for Crisis Pulling Nation Apart"
http://www.democracynow.org/2014/6/13/report_from_iraq_us_invasion_in

Giving up War for Peace, Worship and Nonviolent Action at Beale Air Force Base, CA

Are you "giving anything up" for Lent this year?  A group of Christian peacemakers in California took action in an Ash Wednesday civil disobedience to urge the U.S. to give up drones for peace. To turn away from war to work for peace, justice, and the healing of the earth.

In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. 

“My body is tired but my soul is rested.”

Former LPF Board Chair, retired Lutheran pastor and former U.S. Marine Jerry Pedersen participated in the interfaith worship service and was arrested during the nonviolent direct action against drones at the gate of Beale Air Force Base. Military drones which are remotely controlled by satellite from bases in the US have repeatedly killed and injured scores of civilians abroad.

Actions of faith and conscience are good for the soul.  Rev. Sharon Delgado reports:

"We were quickly detained by Beale officers, taken to the guard station, cited, and released. When entering the station I greeted the officers with the words, 'Peace be with you.' We all treated each other respectfully and with good humor, with the understanding that they were doing their job and we were doing ours." 

"The young guards were impressed with Jerry's military card, which shows that he was part of the Honor Guard on the U.S.S. Missouri during the WWII surrender of the Japanese. As we were arrested, supporters were singing 'I'll be rested when the roll is called,' with the names of people who have worked for peace and justice through the ages. May it be so for all of us. May we find rest for our souls in the midst of the violence of our times."

You can read more about this Ash Wednesday Anti-Drone Protest and Arrest and statements of the issues here: http://sharondelgado.org/tag/beale-air-force-base/, also see KCRA’s coverage of the service here, and a video of the arrests below:



Rev. Sharon Delgado speaks:


see also these resources from LPF:
Resources about Nonviolence
Peace Resource Lists
Peace Links

Syria: Keeping Our Eye on the Ball

Diplomacy and action around Syria’s chemical weapons are very encouraging.  But we must direct our focus onto tasks that are at least as urgent: First, urge elected officials to oppose US military action which is still a possibility. And more broadly, to advocate for the US to build international efforts to contain and end the fighting, deal with its impact on civilians, aid refugees, and tackle the roots of the conflict – tasks which are still virtually unaddressed by the US or the international community.

Despite the falloff in media and public attention, our role as citizens is at least as vital and compelling, and the issues we face at least as urgent and threatening as chemical weapons.  Here are specific things we can ask of the US:  a) use our diplomatic clout to get all external parties to end the shipment of arms to all sides; b) use the agreement on chemical weapons as a step toward bringing about a ceasefire; c) work on long-term solutions to the roots of the conflict and for a political agreement that is just and ends the war; d) change US budget priorities: the world spends just $1 on conflict prevention for every $1,885 it spends on military resources. As Mark Twain wrote, “when your only tool is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” (See LPF’s budget priorities activity for more on this key issue) and e) increase USA aid to the United Nations High Commission on Refugees to assist Syrian refugees.

With the International Day of Prayer for Peace (IDPP) on Sept. 21,  this Sunday is a great time to offer or ask for prayers on Syria in church and share what people of faith can do (see LPF’s recent IDPP blog post).

As Christians, our advocacy flows from our commitment to active nonviolence, the Way of Jesus. It’s time to urge the US to show some imagination and not just fall into old habits of military action, but instead, take on the challenge of addressing the roots of the conflict in Syria that could lead to a genuine political solution.
Thanks to the ELCA for the excellent map.

Syrian Crisis

For the US to initiate military action in Syria is a huge  mistake given the already violent complexity of the struggles there. Regardless of the motives, the great majority of times such military intervention has been tried in the past, the result has been to worsen not improve the situation.

Military action would be a sign of our failure as people of faith, a nation, and a global community. It is urgent that people of faith voice their opposition to their elected officials and to join in public ways of lifting up the truth in this matter. The people of Syria have already suffered too much. Let us not add to their suffering.

Many entities and individuals have come out against US military action, including ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson who sent a letter to President Obama asking him to continue diplomatic efforts rather than pursuing military action, and Bishop Munib Younan of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land who urges a political solution not military intervention.

Bishop Younan, and even President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry, stress the fact that there is no military solution out of this morass. So then why up the ante? An alcoholic does not drink his/her way to sobriety; we won’t achieve peace in Syria adding to war.

The use of chemical weapons by Syria is deplorable. But for this, President Assad and others in the Syrian military should be dealt with by legitimate international institutions and processes, not unilateral military action of the kind that has proved so disastrous in the past for the US -- and for the situations we assert we aim to help. . . . .

Our prompt action is needed, since the major news agencies and Capitol Hill sources indicate have said a Congressional vote could happen very soon.

Write to the president and your members of Congress urging them to strengthen international diplomatic efforts instead of authorizing military action that will only escalate an already brutal war.
Please also call the local offices of your senators and representatives (look up the telephone numbers on the FCNL website).

Here are some points to make on your call:

• I oppose U.S. military action in Syria.
• Military action will not stop the killing in Syria or bring those responsible for the use of chemical weapons to justice.
• Diplomatic engagement with all regional stakeholders is what is called for right now.
• The U.S. shouldn't respond alone to the use of chemical weapons. Our country should work through the U.N. and the International Criminal Court.
• What is the member's position is on authorizing military force against Syria? Are there any local public events happening where I could express my views to the member directly?

Please write and/or call today and forward the url of this blogpost to 3 friends who might be willing to call too:
http://lutheranpeace.blogspot.com/2013/09/syrian-crisis.html

After You Call/Write: Go Public

Please consider writing a letter to your local newspaper and posting comments on the newspaper's website. Let your community know that war is not the answer to the use of chemical weapons in Syria, and, most importantly, mention the names of your senators and representative by name in the letter.

* Thanks to Phil Anderson, the ELCA, and the FCNL for writing much of this alert.

More background to the crisis:

Chomsky: Syria Attack Would Be "War Crime"

Natasha Lennard, Salon
Lennard writes: "Chomsky argued that even if the Obama administration can garner Congressional support for its planned missile strikes against Assad's regime, any such incursion would still constitute a 'war crime' in abrogation of international agreements."
READ MORE

Juan Cole | The US Is No Lone Ranger and Should Put That Six Shooter Away

Juan Cole, Truthdig
Cole writes: "The U.S. has had a checkered history in the use of unconventional arms, and is still among the most dedicated to retaining the ability to make, stockpile and use weapons that indiscriminately kill innocent noncombatants."
READ MORE

Even the mainstream press is raising some of these points:

9 questions about Syria you were too embarrassed to ask

Max Fisher, The Washington Post
READ MORE

Nuclear Weapons: Status Quo, Reduction, or Elimination?

Here's a fact that may prove disturbing to serious followers of Jesus, the Prince of Peace:  more than 6,000 nuclear weapons exist in the USA today, ready for deployment.

Nuclear weapons, instead of protecting us, now threaten us and people everywhere.  President Obama, without suggesting a treaty, in June 2013 proposed a reduction "by one third" of the nuclear weapons held by Russia and the USA, but Russia wants other nuclear powers to join negotiations.  Nine nations now reportedly have more than 17,000 weapons.  What options do concerned people have  for encouraging that nuclear weapons either be reduced or eliminated?

Since August is Nuclear-Free Future Month, some congregations or individuals might want to write their Congressperson urging that the US start negotiations on a treaty to abolish nuclear weapons.  It's time to consider doing so when even former “cold warriors” like Henry Kissinger, George Shultz, William Perry and Sam Nunn called for complete elimination of nuclear weapons in the Wall Street Journal in 2010.

On a more modest scale, at least 22 members of Congress are calling for significant reductions in Pentagon spending, and the nuclear arsenal probably would receive major cutbacks.  www.peace-action.org, search "nuclear weapons."

In the House of Representatives, Ed Markey introduced the "Smarter Approach to Nuclear Expenditures (SANE) Act," HR 1506, which would make cuts to spending on nuclear weapons totaling more than $100 billion over the next decade.  If your representative has not co-sponsored this bill, suggest action.  www.fcnl.org

A further request to President Obama could be that he clarify the U.S.A.'s nuclear posture by announcing that the USA will not use nuclear weapons first under any circumstances.  Nuclear Age Peace Foundation: www.wagingpeace.org

In addition, the Obama administration proposes to spend $7.87 billion on the National Nuclear Security Administration for research and maintenances of the US nuclear arsenal.  Some letters to the President might question the mixed messages.  www.nukewatchinfo.org

Other critical issues may flood the media now, but your phone calls, letters and emails about nuclear weapons deserve your efforts on behalf of the survival of humanity.

More resources:
www.icanw.org International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons
www.forusa.org, search "nuclear weapons"
www.warresisters.org, search "resources" for "Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki"
www.elca.org for earlier statements about nuclear weapons
www.ploughshares.org
www.globalzero.org/en
www.takepart.com/zero

From the LPF Archives:

For People of Faith: AN URGENT CALL (2003)
On August 6th we remember the anniversary of the atomic the bombing of Hiroshima in 1945.
We invite you to pray for peace.

Hiroshima-Nagasaki Day of Prayer for Peace, Bulletin Insert (2005)

Animation of Nuclear History

A New Vision of Peacemaking – LPF strengthens its core focus

Lutheran Peace Fellowship held four conference calls in recent weeks with LPF leaders in every part of the country.  We discussed issues we care about:  gun violence, conflicts around the globe, militarism. . . -- and how LPF might be more effective in confronting these challenges.  We also discussed how we can make the most of LPF’s national gathering this summer to strengthen our program and our connections and friendships with one another.
More of what we explored is shared in a new resource entitled, “A New Vision of Peacemaking” – and a letter to you and LPF members more widely. Here are some highlights:

• To strengthen our core focus:  to confront violence and war, militarism and injustice; and to share the alternative Jesus taught – the biblical vision of Shalom, of active nonviolence. 
• To support LPF members in taking effective action on today’s pressing issues – gun control and soaring military budgets, veterans’ issues and youth facing military service. . . .
• To share LPF activities and resources with friends and co-workers, and also with our congregation to encourage their use in adult forums, youth group, etc.

We also noted that in some cases, there are relatively few Lutheran voices lifting up these issues and offering advocacy opportunities and resources.  LPF re-committed to changing that.  You can help Lutheran congregations, groups, and leaders better support peace with justice.  Share the New Vision resource, consider attending the national LPF gathering this summer. For more information, click on the links above.

The Legacy of the War in Iraq

A lot of attention is being given to the 10th anniversary of the Iraq War.  Such a landmark offers an opportunity to help our friends and colleagues and congregations hear some of the less visible stories. Here are a few that are also of vital importance if we are to avoid Iraq's mistakes in Iran and elsewhere.  They appeared in a variety of publications and assembled by our friends at Foreign Policy in Focus, and offer some concise, crucial lessons from the war:

America's Other Dark Legacy In Iraq by Joy Gordon -- Putting aside even Iraq's horrifying descent into sectarian violence, the United States did a spectacularly poor job of governing the country.

Way Worse Than a Dumb War: Iraq Ten Years Later by Phyllis Bennis and others (Nation magazine) -- It didn't take long for the world to recognize that the US invasion and occupation of Iraq was a big mistake. But "dumb war" wasn't the half of it.

Visions: America after Hegemony by Cole Harrison -- The peace movement needs to make it clear not only what we are against, but what we are for.

As Iraq Anniversary Fades, “Strategic Narcissism” Stands Out by Jim Lobe -- Virtually none of the retrospectives or assessments of the war in major U.S. publications have been written by Iraqis. The inability of both voters and policymakers to imagine the world from any perspective other than their own has left tremendous wreckage in its wake. 

Ten Years Later, U.S. Has Left Iraq with Mass Displacement & Epidemic of Birth Defects, Cancers by Democracy Now! How the U.S. invasion of Iraq has left behind a legacy of cancer and birth defects suspected of being caused by the U.S. military’s extensive use of depleted uranium and white phosphorus.

See also LPF resources on Iraq