A Way Forward, Out of Iraq

by Hany Khalil
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The peace movement must now exploit this advantage by focusing on dramatically expanding its organized base. One way to do so is to build broad-based coalitions between disparate groups so that the antiwar movement becomes part of people's everyday lives. In this regard, the joining together of several large national organizations for this Saturday's March for Peace, Justice, and Democracy in New York City is auspicious. Groups including the National Organization of Women, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, Friends of the Earth, U.S. Labor Against the War, and Veterans For Peace are jointly sponsoring the mobilization, with one of the key goals the setting of an agenda for congressional elections later this year. The antiwar movement needs to make the Iraq issue central to the 2006 elections. We should launch non-partisan issue campaigns to compel every candidate for office to take a clear stand on the war, with a long-term goal of forcing Congress to cut off war-related funding.

Every candidate who refuses to back the peace agenda should know that he or she will face a movement with growing clout in Congress. Getting voters to sign the Voter for Peace pledge, distributing voter guides comparing the positions of candidates on the war, organizing candidates' forums, and bird-dogging candidates can bring independent pressure to bear on all candidates and parties. (This summer United for Peace and Justice will launch such a campaign as part of its legislative action strategy.)

In addition, we have to support and expand grassroots efforts--such as those of the National Network Opposed to the Militarization of Youth--to counter military recruitment. Despite massive advertising budgets and the use of unethical tactics, the armed forces are not signing up enough young people, in large part due to the Iraq war. If the peace movement can lower recruitment rates even more, we can create material obstacles to the ability of the Bush administration to prosecute the war. Because the military targets working-class youth with few options, especially people of color, counter-recruitment work can also help make more visible and strengthen antiwar organizing among these constituencies.

In addition to working in these areas, keeping up the pressure on the streets is vital. As shown by the pro-immigrant marches, mass mobilizations provide low-barrier ways for the those disillusioned with the war to join in, to increase the movement's media visibility, and to shape congressional debate. This Saturday's national march provides a great opportunity for the antiwar movement to do the same, while sending a clear message to the White House and Congress.
As the horrific death toll in Iraq continues to mount, and with the Bush administration ratcheting up its efforts to frame Iran as a great menace while threatening a preemptive U.S. attack, possibly with nuclear weapons, now is the time for the peace movement to refocus and intensify its efforts.

The antiwar movements of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s were able to end or seriously hinder U.S.-sponsored wars in Vietnam, Central America, and elsewhere. Though we face unique challenges, we have the same responsibility--and ability--today.
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