The Middle East Working Group will work towards ending the wars in Iraq and Syria and preventing a war on Iran. (Our working group does not specifically address Israel/Palestine issues, which are covered by a separate working group.)
We will begin with work together with National Peace Action, our affiliates across the country, and 27 allied organizations, on the “Crisis of ISIS”. Instead of military action, the Administration should be focusing on intensive UN-backed diplomacy. We will educate ourselves and the public about the Middle East and the devastating effects US intervention continues to have. Work with the Budget for All on the economic effects of another long, expensive war, which cost over a billion dollars in its first 2 months, will consume another $5.6B in its first Congressionally-funded installment, and may ultimately cost scores of billions – even without “boots on the ground.”
We will meet in person or by phone monthly.
Some work already in progress.
Education: Teach-ins at local colleges/ Universities Medea Benjamin,
Reese Erlich, possibly Rami Khouri
Outreach to public. Leaflet at T stations, Current message attached.
On-going Alerts, Website, Letters to Editor
Seal the Deal Event for Iran Nuclear Deal – November 24th
Organize around Congressional Reps.
Visit and demonstrate at local Congressional offices. Nov. 11 –15th, 2014
Delegations including elected officials, faith, people from Middle East, movers and shakers
On-going work to push Congress to use its constitutional powers: War Powers Act , Oversight, Authorization, etc
Contact with offices at least once a month (maybe revive the Wed. noon Brown Bag Lunches )
Cost: Work with Budget for All on Tax Day event.
Participate in larger events : Peace and Planet, April 26 NYC
