WAND Statement on Impending Attack on Iraq
March 19, 2003

As a voice for women and peace, Women's Action for New Directions opposes a U.S. war on a country which has not attacked us, which the CIA says is not a threat to us, and which has no proven connection to the attacks of 9/11. We believe tough weapons inspections would be the safest solution for U.S. and Iraqi citizens, and that diplomacy is the strongest weapon in the United States arsenal. A pre-emptive war ordered by President Bush on Iraq without the support of the U.N. Security Council sets a dangerous precedent.

This U.S.-led war will threaten our economy, jeopardize our security, and cost countless lives. Severe cuts are already being made to vital programs in federal and state budgets even before paying for this war. This war will intensify hatred of the U.S. and spawn a whole new generation of terrorists. We hope that after the war comes to an end, we will reclaim some of our spirit by providing the victims of this tragedy with the humanitarian aid necessary to rebuild their lives and country.

WAND continues to support our troops and our American values. We would like our troops safely home and abhor all loss of life. We continue to work to redirect federal spending toward human needs and support alternatives to war through international cooperation.

For more information contact:

Darcy Scott Martin
WAND/WiLL Washington Director
322 Fourth Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-544-5055, ext. 194