E-News: New Support for Iran Diplomacy

Posted on 03/08/2012 @ 12:10 PM

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In this issue: Iran: Thousands Call Congress; 37 Reps Support Diplomacy; Israeli Public Opinion Opposes a Unilateral Strike; What's New: U.S. 13 Years Late on Landmine Ban; Slaying the "Spendagon"; What Motivates Members of Congress; Recent FCNL Letters; New Fact Sheet on War Prevention Budget; Join Us for a Telephone Briefing on Our Environmental Program; Monthly Giving Is Greener!; War Is Not the Answer Photo of the Week: Logan, UT

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Iran

Thousands Call Congress to Oppose War

This week, Congress has received more than 3,200 calls from people like you urging diplomacy, not war, with Iran. Other groups, including the National Iranian American Council and Just Foreign Policy, have partnered with FCNL to get voices for peace heard on Capitol Hill.

If you haven't called, please call TODAY. As a constituent, your voice with your senators and representative opposing military action against Iran is crucial: call toll-free, 855-68-NO WAR (855-686-6927) and urge your members of Congress to oppose S.Res. 380/H. Res. 568, which would push the U.S. closer to a military attack on Iran. Find talking points to help you make your call.

37 Reps Sign Letter to Support Diplomacy

With all the "loose talk of war" on Capitol Hill, 37 members of Congress have banded together to make a statement for diplomacy. Did your representative sign the letter initiated by Reps. Keith Ellison (MN) and Walter Jones (NC) urging President Obama to "utilize all available tools of diplomacy to resolve the crisis over Iran's nuclear program and prevent another costly war in the Middle East"?

Take Action: Send your representative a note responding to his or her action on the Ellison-Jones letter. You'll see a different sample letter based on whether your representative signed the letter or not.

Israeli Public Opinion Opposes a Unilateral Strike

What do Israelis think of potential military action with Iran? A new survey shows that only 19% of Israelis would favor an attack by Israel without U.S. backing, while 34% oppose an attack on Iran even with U.S. support. See Just Foreign Policy's Robert Naiman on what this poll means for U.S. policy towards Iran.

Photo: Israelis calling on the government not to attack Iran at the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv. Obed Baility/AP.

What's New?

U..S. 13 Years Late on Banning Landmines

On the 13th anniversary of the Mine Ban Treaty, the United States remains outside the treaty. Read Bridget Moix's analysis of current efforts to persuade the U.S. to sign the treaty and how you can help.

Slaying the "Spendagon"

Working to cut $1 trillion from the Pentagon budget over the next 10 years is serious business…most of the time. Program Assistant Patrick Lozada takes a fantasy-themed look at the insatiable beast that sneaks into our treasury every year and drains our nation's coffers.

What Motivates Members of Congress?

Despite all its bad press, Congress is actually made up of hardworking public servants who are mostly motivated by what is in the best interests of their constituents, writes Congressional Management Foundation head Bradford Fitch in a recent op-ed published in Roll Call.

Recent FCNL Letters and Statements

• A Faith Reflection on the Federal Budget
• 8 Groups to Congress: Oppose Push for War with Iran

See more letters and statements

New Fact Sheet: What's In the Budget for Preventing War?

Download and print this new fact sheet on the president's foreign policy budget proposal.

Join Us for a Telephone Briefing on our Environmental Program

Next Thursday, March 15, you have a special opportunity to hear from Jose Aguto, FCNL's new legislative Secretary for Sustainable Energy and Environment. Join the conference call to find out about the work ahead in Congress to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enable vulnerable communities and ecosystems to adapt to climate change. You'll also have a chance to ask questions.

To join the call, please call 213-342-3000 on Thursday March 15 at 8 p.m. Eastern time. The participant code for the call is 283096. If you plan to join us, please let us know by emailing Bergin Parks.

Monthly Giving is Greener!

As an FCNL Sustainer, you join hundreds of donors like Caroline Anderson who keep FCNL strong all year through automatic monthly contributions. Your support is spread throughout the year in a convenient and reliable way. You will not receive regular fundraising appeals. The minimum gift is $10 per month. Find out how you can help sustain FCNL year round!

War Is Not the Answer Photo of the Week: Logan, UT

Peace activists in Logan, UT have been demonstrating in front of the Mormon Tabernacle since the beginning of the Iraq War. Staff member Stephen Donahoe took part in their gathering last week.

Order your own War Is Not the Answer sign and see where this movement is showing up across the country. Find out how to submit your photo.