U.S. should make a stand for peace

(Chapel Hill News; 1/26/03; Nancy Milio)

The relentless march to war on Iraq by the administration is insane. Those in power fanatically believe that America's might can solve the problems of terrorism.

America's greatness is its capacity to do good, to lead the way to the rule of law, to forge strong and peaceful collaborations, to promote life and hope - of only we had the political will.

It is up to us who know that war is not the answer, to speak out persistently, to stop the rush to war and the explosive fallout that will be felt around the world and here at home.

The United States has endorsed U.N. Security Council Resolution 1441 on Iraq. It calls for a tough weapons inspection regime, and inherently difficult task requiring patience and perseverance, including additional inspection time. Yet, the Bush Administration appears determined to go to war.

Even members of Congress who voted for authorizing U.S. military action against Iraq are now expressing deep concerns about the administration's impatience and lack of commitment to pursuing a diplomatic solution to the conflict. Several Congresspeople have introduced a resolution that calls for repeal of the Iraq war authorization, HR Res. 2.

Every attempt should be made to achieve Iraq's disarmament through diplomatic means and with the full support of our allies, in accordance with the process articulated on the U.N. Resolution. The administration's paradoxical stance between Iraq and North Korea appears to say to hostile states that the United States will negotiate with you if you have nuclear weapons, but it will attack you of you don't have them.

Senator Edwards, Senator Dole and Congressman Price should strongly urge the president to assure Americans and the world that the United States remains committed to diplomacy and the comprehensive inspections process agreed to in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1441.