WAND Statement on Sept. 11th Attack
and the US Response

October, 2001

WAND, Women's Action for New Directions, stands with the global community to condemn the attacks of September 11th, mourns the lives lost, and calls for those responsible to be brought to justice.

From the ashes of this destruction rises an unprecedented opportunity for the United States to set a profound and positive example in its response to this unimaginable violence. Our response should entail:

  1. Restraint. Our government should exercise restraint in its response so that no more innocent lives are destroyed. The US should reject the use of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction.

  2. Responsibility. Congress must fulfill its constitutional responsibility to maintain checks and balances by debating and shaping our response and preventing any branch of government from acting unilaterally.

  3. Resources for true security. Meeting human needs is the foundation of true security and resources to meet those needs must not be sacrificed.

  4. Respect for others. In this time of crisis, each of us is called to renew our respect for civil liberties, demand a free and informed press, and create a safe and civil environment that encourages open dialogue.

  5. Reduce Risks. This tragedy requires all Americans to examine carefully the steps our country may now take to reduce the risk of future terrorist attacks. The US should work cooperatively with the international community through treaties, initiatives and institutions toward global security.

Even as we mourn the lives lost, we can be an example to the world by refusing to perpetuate violence upon the innocent and renewing our commitment to meeting human and environmental needs, which are the foundation of true security.

WAND Response to the War on Terrorism

November 12, 2001

WAND believes that the bombing of Afghanistan is not helping to secure national or global security or achieving the stated objectives of the war on terrorism. Instead it is killing innocent civilians, escalating violence, increasing the likelihood of retaliation, causing instability in the region, eroding the support of our allies, attracting sympathizers to the terrorists' cause, and leading to the possible use of nuclear weapons.

WAND supports these objectives of the fight against terrorism as stated by the United States and endorsed by international allies:

  • bring justice to the perpetrators, organizers, and sponsors of the September 11th terrorist acts
  • hold accountable those that aid, support, or harbor the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of the September 11th terrorist acts
  • combat threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts
  • prevent and suppress terrorist acts

Because the bombing fails to achieve these objectives and increases instability and violence while preventing the provision of humanitarian aid, WAND recommends the following:

Conduct of the War on Terrorism

Immediate Actions:

  • In order to minimize civilian casualties, restrict the use of force to only that needed to bring the guilty to justice.

  • Cease the bombing and use alternatives (such as those below) to bring the perpetrators to justice and to allow for the provision of humanitarian relief for the Afghan people. Alternatives to bombing include:

    • Sending in an international military force to capture the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of the terrorist attacks.

    • Allowing for the extradition of suspects to third party countries for trial.

    • Using an ad hoc tribunal, selected by the UN Security Council or affected states, to try suspects for the September 11th attacks. Prosecute under the statute on crimes against humanity; join the International Criminal Court.

    • Leading the UN in bringing diplomatic, political, and economic pressure to bear against the governing regimes of nations that give support or shelter to terror networks.

  • Adhere to "Just War" principles. The two that apply to a war already in progress are:

    • Discrimination: Justice in the actual conduct of war requires respect for the rights of enemy peoples, especially for the immunity of noncombatants from direct attack. Such respect also rules out atrocities, reprisals, looting, and wanton violence.

    • Proportionality: The amount of damage inflicted must be strictly proportionate to the ends sought. (This is not the same as being proportionate to the harm done against us.) Small-scale injuries should not be avenged by massive suffering, death, and devastation. The war's harm must not exceed the war's good.

  • Renounce the use of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction.

  • Immediately safeguard nuclear weapons and materials.

  • Immediately remove nuclear weapons from hair-trigger alert.

  • Work through the UN to strengthen international laws against terrorism and ensure UN members cooperate in enforcing them.

Ongoing Actions:

  • Provide humanitarian aid to all victims of this crisis.

  • Support deployment of a UN Rapid Deployment Police and Security Force.

  • Pay all dues owed to the UN.

  • Implement the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombing and International Convention on the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.

  • Ratify and support the International Criminal Court.

  • Protect the right of free press: ensure accurate and free reporting of events using no censorship beyond what is essential to protect troops.

  • Discourage profiteering from the crisis.
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