World Without War--New Year, New Chances to Prevent Conflict

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New Year, New Chances to Prevent Conflict

Welcome to a new year of FCNL's World Without War updates.  We are already busy at work in 2012, lobbying Congress to help end and prevent wars.  Thank you for all you do to support and participate in this work.

This year, we'll continue our work together to prevent war in Iran, end the war in Afghanistan, press for a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians and build long-term capacities to peacefully prevent deadly conflict. FCNL will also highlight Kenya and the peace work of Quakers there, as a critical case for preventing deadly conflict.

Please join us as we work to educate policymakers that war is not the answer and that peace through peaceful means is possible.  As always, your thoughts and suggestions are welcome.

 

In peace,

Bridget Moix 
Senior Legislative Secretary, Foreign Policy

P.S. Consider emailing this message to 5 friends and inviting them to join this list in the new year.

 

 

“Prevent War with Iran” Campaign Takes Off!

FCNL's "Diplomacy--Not War--with Iran" postcards are making their way to meetings, churches, and peace groups across the country, sending a message to lawmakers in advance of the Senate's vote on another sweeping Iran sanctions bill, which could undermine the upcoming nuclear negotiations with Iran. You can order these postcards for your own meeting or group free of charge.

Watch Kate Gould's one minute video about Congress' dangerous escalation of U.S.-Iranian relations, or read quotes from U.S. and Israeli security officials speaking out against attacking Iran. To find out more about how diplomacy can work to prevent violence and nuclear proliferation, see FCNL's FAQ on Iran.

Please, urge your Senator to speak out on the Senate floor against war, and to promote diplomacy, with Iran.

Caption: Kate Gould and Katherine Philipson give Sen. Jeff Merkley (OR) Iran postcards from Oregon constituents.

 

A Militarized State Of The Union?

Read Matt Southworth's perspective on why President Obama's State of the Union address is indicative of a dangerous foreign policy ideology. With a pivotal year ahead for Afghanistan, it was disappointing that President Obama focused his remarks on "peace through force" rather than peace through diplomacy. The conflict in Afghanistan has reached a stalemate that will only be resolved through a political settlement that includes securing agreements with regional powers and prioritizing Afghan politics.

 

Spring Lobby Weekend

"Actually going into [your congressional] office and showing that we really do care is the biggest difference we can make."
--Rachel Kent, past Spring Lobby Weekend participant

With March just around the corner, Matt Southworth and Kathy Zager are working hard to prepare for Spring Lobby Weekend 2012. This year participants will focus on lobbying on two issues: ending the war in Afghanistan and protecting cuts to the Pentagon budget.

Please encourage young adults to register now!

Peaceful Prevention: Part of the Global War on Terror?

First, the good news: funding for diplomacy, development, and international cooperation avoided the huge cuts our lobbyists feared in this year's budget. Investments in the Complex Crises Fund, Civilian Response Corps, and U.S. contributions to the U.N. were protected, in part because of your emails to Congress. Thank you! However, these programs avoided cuts by being folded into funding for the "global war on terror," a move that could have dangerous consequences in the years ahead. Read more from lobbyist Mary Stata on why this is a worrying trend.

 

Kenya

Back in Washington after her month-long trip to Kenya, Cassidy Regan will continue her work with FCNL to educate policymakers on Kenya as a critical case for the peaceful prevention of deadly conflict. To hear about Cassidy's trip, watch this video.

Although the road ahead for peace in Kenya is long, the recent decision by the International Criminal Court is a step toward justice – and a step toward preventing further deadly conflict.  Read more.

 

What We're Reading:

• Will Israel Attack Iran? By Ronen Bergman, NY Times, 01/25/2012
• 4 Kenyans to Stand Trial at Hague Court in 2008 Violence, By Marlise Simons, NY Times, 01/23/2012
• State Department and Pentagon creating joint office for funding emergency response, By Josh Rogin, Foreign Policy, 12/27/2011
• Imminent Iran Nuclear Threat?  A Timeline of Warnings Since 1979, By Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 11/08/2011

 

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