Christian Delegation in Iran




Right now there is a delegation of Christian leaders and thinkers in Iran talking to Muslim religious leaders, with the goal of diverting a potential American-Iranian conflict. One of the members of the Christian group is Jeff Carr, one of the head men from Sojourner's. You can find his letters and thoughts on God's Politics Blog, through BeliefNet.

Here's a link to one of his letters

American Withdrawal?

I am writing to hear thoughts of others, as well as voice some concerns about our current involvement in Iraq and the responsible and viable exit strategies that are being discussed.

I was one of those against the War before the US launched its unilateral campaign. As a pacifist, I was opposed to the direction of the war, and the reasons given to justify the action.

Obviously, I continue to see the war as a losing effort, the deaths of Iraqi's and Americans has gone on too long, however several issues confront me at this time and I would LOVE some input from others as well as some thoughtful and open reflection.

Don't we (America) have some responsibility to the Iraqi people to stay in Iraq until there is some order restored/legitimate government in place? The war never should have happened, and I am saddened by the actions that have taken place....however, leaving now seems to place the Iraqi people in a worse place than they were before the invasion.

I understand the reasoning behind pulling out of Iraq. I understand the questioning of the morality and wisdom of sending another 30,000 American troops to Iraq. Many politicians are (favorably) campaigning to bring back the troops and end the occupation. (notably Obama who would put a date on the exit strategy).

Now as a pacifist, I want the violence, occupation and war to end. However, I tend to think that the withdrawal of American forces would lead to MORE violence in Iraq due to a lack of strong police/military force (the Iraqi police has been ripped apart by corruption and sectarianism). Won't the Iraqi people be subject to more fear, violence and death by the evacuation?

Furthermore, I read that America is tired of losing troops in war with no forseeable end. Our casualty toll however is a fraction of that of Iraqi's. To cut out now potentially saves American lives, but at what cost for Iraqi's? Can anyone really justify the withdrawal of AMerican troops as moral, given the grave implications for the Iraqi future if we do so?

my thoughts: The war never should have happened the way it did. America should not have acted illegally, unilaterally and preemptively. But in doing so we have caused the spiral of destruction and chaos that currently dominates the Iraqi landscape. Because of American irresponsibility and poor anticipation, we MUST see that the Iraqi people do not suffer MORE when we evacuate because the costs of the War are no longer beneficial for US.

How are moral and peaceful thinkers justifying the withdrawal of American troops, when undoubtedly it will lead to the misery of Iraqi's subject to terrorism and sectarian violence?

Help me out. Thanks,

blessings

The Politics of Progress

Wow. Like I needed another reason to doubt the convictions of some in the Republican party.

"The debate should not be about the surge or its details. This debate should not even be about the Iraq war to date, mistakes that have been made, or whether we can, or cannot, win militarily. If we let Democrats force us into a debate on the surge or the current situation in Iraq, we lose."

- Excerpt of a memo from Reps. John Shadegg (R-AZ) and Peter Hoekstra (R-MI). (Source: Think Progress )