Timeline of FCNL Action to End the War in Iraq

2002

Iraq Policy Working Group (IPWG) is formed this summer around opposition to the war in Iraq. FCNL is chair.

On October 11, Congress passes legislation authorizing unilateral military action against Iraq. FCNL advocates against the war: nearly 1/3 of House and ¼ of Senate vote no.

In November, FCNL’s War Is Not the Answer bumper sticker is conceived. Between November 2002 and June 2003 FCNL distributes 120,000 bumper stickers.

2003

In January, the IPWG distributes Iraq briefing books (200 pages) to all 60 new members of Congress, to coincide with a congressional sign on letter calling on President Bush to support U.N. inspections and cooperate with U.N. instead of launching a military invasion. 130 representatives sign the letter. Working with this coalition and others, FCNL organizes events to educate people and offers space to groups working against the war.

In February, the first War Is Not the Answer yard sign is produced. As of June 2003, 20,000 are distributed.

In March, the U.S. invades Iraq. FCNL issues a statement and hosts a meeting bringing together a wide number of groups to coordinate action against the war.

FCNL supports efforts in Congress to support enquiry about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

2004

FCNL helps organize an advocacy and call in day on the one-year anniversary of the war to push for a U.N.-led democratic transition.

Seventeen representatives introduce legislation calling for adoption of a “Sensible Multilateral American Response to Terrorism” (SMART Security) that articulates the need for a new U.S. policy based on preventing wars, international cooperation, reducing weapons proliferation, and addressing root causes of terrorism. FCNL helped craft this legislation along with several other colleague organizations and congressional offices. Rep. Woolsey recognizes Bridget Moix on the floor of the House for her work on this bill.

FCNL works to make the war in Iraq an issue in the 2004 election.

At FCNL’s Annual Meeting in November, the General Committee adopts this priority on Iraq: Remove all U.S. military forces and bases from Iraq, and fulfill U.S. moral and legal obligations to reconstruct Iraq through appropriate multinational, nationl, and Iraqi agencies.

2005

FCNL STEP Campaign formed to try and unify Congress around Iraq withdrawal. The STEP resolution (Sensible Transition for Enduring Peace) states that it is the policy of the U.S. to withdrawal all U.S. forces and military bases from Iraq. This congressional resolution looks to build a nonpartisan foundation for crafting legislation to end the war. FCNL also encourages local meetings, churches, and city councils to endorse this resolution. By June 30, nearly 50 groups have signed on.

FCNL organizes local lobby days in 19 states – more than 450 participants – around the STEP resolution.

2006

As many in Congress advocate “staying the course” in Iraq, FCNL focuses on building a bipartisan consensus. in Congress to challenge the administration’s Iraq war policy. The STEP resolution unites many people who have different views on the best course now to unite to say that the U.S. really will leave Iraq.

After two failed attempts, Congress approved not one but two provisions barring funding for permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq. These provisions, which echo FCNL’s Iraq STEP proposal, send an important signal that United States does not intend to permanently occupy Iraq. These provisions were signed into law in October 2006.

FCNL adds War Is Not the Answer window sign to meet demand for these materials.

FCNL works to make the war in Iraq an issue in the 2006 election.

At FCNL’s Annual Meeting in November, the General Committee adopts this priority on Iraq: Oppose U.S. military intervention. Remove all U.S. military and paramilitary forces and bases from Iraq. Assure Iraq’s sovereign control over its assets and natural resources, and fulfill moral and legal obligations to reconstruct Iraq through accountable intergovernmental, non-governmental, and Iraqi agencies.

2007

For the second year in a row, Congress approved the FCNL-initiated proposal to ban the U.S. government from establishing permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq.

FCNL lobbies for the Iraq Study Group’s proposals to be accepted.

We have yard sign distributors in every state and half the congressional districts.

2008

For the third year in a row, Congress approved the FCNL-initiated proposal to ban the U.S. government from establishing permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq.

FCNL lobbies for legislation to oppose the troop surge and expand diplomacy with Iraq’s neighbors to create the conditions for a U.S. withdrawal. 22 senators and 128 reps are on record in support of this legislation, although it does not become law.

At FCNL’s Annual Meeting in November, the General Committee adopts this priority on Iraq: Emphasize join aid, civilian peacebuilding, and regional diplomacy, esp in relation to Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Promote fulfillment of U.S. moral and legal obligations for reconstruction. Press for the removal of U.S. bases and combat forces from Iraq.

2009

The U.S. government says U.S. will leave Iraq by Dec 31, 2011. FCNL lobbies Congress to recognize this goal and establish a process for monitoring withdrawal. Congress approves this legislation. In Oct 2009 President Obama signed legislation recognizing the bilateral agreement signed by U.S. and Iraq in Nov 2008. Administration required to report every 3 months on progress towards withdrawal.

2011

In October, President Obama announces that the United States will withdraw all U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of this year. The last military troops leave in Iraq in December 2011.