Position Paper - Cover Letter
June 2001

U.S. Policy Toward Iraq:
Policy Alternatives

U.S. policy toward Iraq is in a shambles. The Bush administration came to office with a pledge to forge a new Iraq policy. However, faced with a Russian veto in the Security Council, the U.S. withdrew its proposed "smart sanctions" package aimed at reinvigorating the bankrupt sanctions policy against Iraq. The Administration has retreated to endorsing the same inhumane and ineffective policies of the Clinton and Bush, Sr. administrations.

It is time for a change. We, the undersigned, endorse the attached document, "U.S. Policy Toward Iraq: Policy Alternatives" as a new, more humane, and effective framework for U.S.-Iraq relations. While each of us may not agree with every point in this document, we are convinced that it offers a comprehensive and workable way out of the present quagmire.

We urge you to support these policy alternatives. Use this document in your organizing efforts. Distribute and discuss it with policymakers and the press. Add your name to the list of signators.

Sincerely,

Phyllis Bennis, Institute for Policy Studies
Erik Gustafson, Education for Peace in Iraq Center, Washington, DC
Martha Honey, Foreign Policy In Focus/Institute for Policy Studies
Peter Lems, American Friends Service Committee
Clovis Maksoud, Center for the Global South, American University
Chris Toensing, Middle East Research and information Project
Barbara Wein, U.S. Institute of Peace, Washington, DC
Stephen Zunes, Foreign Policy In Focus and University of San Francisco

U.S. Policy Toward Iraq: Policy Alternatives
Position Paper