Bringing all U.S. troops home from Iraq immediately
(Prepared by Anita Wessling)
The Democratic Party was returned to power in Congress and given a clear mandate - END THE WAR!
Greens call on Democrats to adopt the following agenda:
Bring the troops home now: The invasion and occupation of Iraq has resulted in the deaths of more than 100,000 Iraqis and 3000 U.S. military personnel. Hundreds of thousands have been physically wounded or traumatized by chronic violence and insecurity. There are no winners, and there is no military solution. The U.S. occupation is a catalyst for violence. Recent polls reveal that Iraqi opinion coalesces on four demands: (1) an end to foreign occupation, (2) compensation to Iraqis for damages caused by the U.S. invasion, (3) release of Iraqi prisoners, and (4) establishment of political and military institutions independent of outside influences. A survey in Iraq commissioned by the British military in September 2005 found that 82 percent of Iraqis “strongly oppose” the continuing presence of coalition troops, and 45 percent feel attacks against coalition troops are justified. The battle for hearts and minds has been lost. The longer the U.S. occupation continues, the more Iraqis will join the insurgency, which primarily opposes the foreign presence. An immediate end to hostilities is essential to stem the carnage and loss of human life.
Meanwhile, social programs are being cut in every corner of the United States – from public schools to libraries to hospitals to transportation. The U.S. deficit continues to skyrocket, building a massive debt for future generations of Americans. Money that could be used for domestic needs instead goes into the war and occupation. Furthermore, using National Guard troops in Iraq leaves states shorthanded when disasters strike at home. Hurricane Katrina, in particular, highlighted the need for massive reallocation of resources from armaments into disaster preparedness and infrastructure at home.
Launch a probe into the White House's fraudulent justifications for the invasion of Iraq; violations of the U.S. Constitution; no-bid contracts and giveaways to corporate war profiteers like Halliburton and Bechtel; violations of Geneva Conventions, especially the use of torture; suppression of scientific research about global warming.
Reaffirm the U.S.'s commitment to the Geneva Conventions and international law. The massive number of civilian casualties in Iraq are caused by heavy weapons attacks and flesh-burning compounds such as white phosphorus, particularly devastating in urban areas. Such attacks coupled with the use of torture on detainees greatly damage U.S. credibility and political influence in the Middle East, as well as respect from the international community. The many U.S. bases in Iraq are seen as a long-term threat to the region and the future of Iraq. They should be removed when the troops leave.
Demand that the Bush White House cease threatening Iran and pursue negotiation; maintain pressure on Israel not to launch an attack on Iran. The Green Party’s key value of non-violence implies that war is neither an effective or justifiable means for resolving disputes between nations. The United States is in a position of unprecedented economic and military power in the global scene. We should use that power to work toward security and peace through justice, rather than through intimidation and military destruction.