Maryknoll: Withdraw Troops from Iraq

Here is a passionate plea for an immediate end to the war in Iraq from the Maryknoll community, men and women renowned for their dedication to service and social justice.

Create Human Security in Iraq:
Withdraw, Repair, Reconstruct

Maryknoll, N.Y. – The following is a joint statement issued by the leadership of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, Sisters and Lay Missioners:

Maryknoll missioners live and work in communities around the world torn apart by conflict and war. We know too well the intense suffering and destruction that war brings. As followers of Jesus we are committed personally and institutionally to reverence and affirm the dignity of each person and the whole community of life of which we are a part. We seek to participate actively in the transformation of the world, pursuing social justice, the integrity of creation, and – with even greater intensity in these times - peace.

(Statement of Maryknoll Joint Leadership, 2003)

Two and a half years after the U.S. toppled Saddam Hussein from power, Iraq seems more unstable and insecure than ever. The country is ravaged by growing violence. Water supplies, electricity and oil production remain below pre-war levels. Prospects for returning to normalcy seem bleak as long as U.S. military forces, seen as occupiers and not as liberators, remain in the country.

The U.S. war in Iraq was morally unacceptable from the beginning; we opposed it formally in 2003 and we oppose it now with even greater vigor. Much of what we feared has come to pass:

1. The cost of war in terms of human life and suffering for the people of Iraq, for our own service people and their families, and for others involved in the conflict has been unconscionable

2. War in Iraq has destabilized the Middle East, causing more death and destruction in the region and increasing the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the world

3. The ecological damage is tremendous

4. The burden of war has been carried by the poor and vulnerable as military expenditures steal funds from social programs in the U.S. and around the world.

Now it is time for:

1. Withdrawal: The U.S. should begin quickly withdrawing its military troops, bases and secret prisons from Iraq.

2. Reparations: The U.S. should pay for reconstruction in Iraq, repairing damage caused by the invasion, occupation and years of U.S. led sanctions.

3. Reconstruction: Reconstruction projects should not provide another windfall for U.S. firms. Contracts should provide jobs for Iraqi workers and companies.

We the people can help by beseeching Congress that monies allocated to Iraq arrive there, that we cease the establishment of permanent bases, and that troops are withdrawn quickly yet in a manner conducive to the well-being of the people of Iraq.

The Leadership of the Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers, Maryknoll Sisters and Maryknoll Lay Missioners

Tags: Iraq, War, Maryknoll

Posted by elcanche at October 4, 2005 06:08 PM