We’ve dedicated two Wednesdays to the occupation of Iraq and the War in Afghanistan. One covered ways to support our troops in the field and those who have returned (see “Truly Supporting Our Troops”). The other firmly addressed ending the occupation of Iraq as soon as possible (see “Memorial Day, Everyday”). We’ve also shared the story of Bryan Anderson, a triple-amputee veteran, and the accessible and powerful poetry of Iraq vet Brian Turner.
So today we’re going to tackle a war that doesn’t exist yet, but unfortunately could. There are increasing reports that the feds are seriously considering attacking Iran if they develop nuclear weapons. We’ll file that one under “Worst Ideas of 2007.” Here’s how StopIranWar.com puts it:
All Americans want to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons and interfering on the ground inside Iraq. Yet President Bush’s saber rattling gives the US little additional leverage to engage and dissuade Iran, and, more than likely, simply accelerates a dangerous slide into war. The United States can do better than this.
Whatever the pace of Iran’s nuclear efforts, in the give and take of the Administration’s rhetoric and accusations, we are approaching the last moments to head off looming conflict.
Cannot the world’s most powerful nation deign speak to the resentful and scheming regional power that is Iran? Can we not speak of the interests of others, work to establish a sustained dialogue, and seek to benefit the people of Iran and the region? Could not such a dialogue, properly conducted, begin a process that could, over time, help realign hardened attitudes and polarizing views within the region? And isn’t it easier to undertake such a dialogue now, before more die, and more martyrs are created to feed extremist passions?
So we’re going to do our small part at Progressive Wednesday. You’ll notice there’s a new side-bar “ad,” this one linking you to StopIranWar.com, a website launched in conjunction with Wes Clark (and his PAC, Securing America’s Future) and VoteVets.org. By clicking the banner, you’ll be taken to a page where you can become the co-signer of a petition to President Bush, urging him to make every effort possible to avoid another very avoidable conflict.
If you click this sentence, you’ll be taken to a page where you can write to media outlets, write to your Representatives and Senators, and write to your pals about this important effort for peace.
