Peacemaking and the Iraq War

UUSC is proud to be part of, and play a leading role in, the growing movement to end the Iraq war and the abuses it has engendered. By calling for peace, democracy, and the rule of law, we seek to rectify the grave harm caused done in the name of the “Global War on Terror,” of which the Iraq war is the leading example. Others include the CIA’s use of extraordinary rendition, secret prisons, and torture.

Using a rights-based approach, UUSC actively supports our men and women in the U.S. military as they return from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries. As part of our opposition to the war, we lift up their basic human right to speak out, petition Congress, and express dissent against the war.

Active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families in the United States have articulated some of the most powerful reasons why the war in Iraq is unjust and why the fight to maintain our civil liberties is so crucial. Yet, some of these brave individuals, the very people who have put their lives on the line in service of our country, have had their rights limited by government officials. To guarantee their right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, UUSC advocates for and supports two national organizations, Appeal for Redress and Veterans for Peace. In 2007, Appeal for Redress presented a petition appealing for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq to members of Congress. It was signed by more than 2,000 active-duty soldiers, sailors, marines, and air force personnel, including over 300 officers.

Read UUSC's Statement on Iraq.