WILPF US Issues Iran and the Middle East Statement

The Tucson Branch was one of several WILPF US branches whose members participated in January 2020 demonstrations calling for “No War with Iran!” Photo: Deborah Livingston.

By Darien De Lu
WILPF US President

February 2020

As President of WILPF US, I issued this statement – the result of the work of many individuals – on January 23, 2020. It grew from two other statements: one a draft by Heidi Meinzolt, the Europe Region Representative on the WILPF International Board, and the other by the WILPF US Middle East Issue Committee. The final version benefitted from assistance by and input from members of the US Board, the Middle East Committee, and additional individuals; I thank them all.  

I encourage members to use this statement in various ways. The Fresno, California Branch has already presented it to their U.S. Representative, and at large members also can meet with their Representatives’ staff to present and discuss it. Branches may benefit from deeper discussions of points raised in the statement. Both the Middle East and the Disarm issue committees can respond to your inquiries and requests for more information on these topics. To contact them, see Issue Committee Chairs listing on the WILPF US website.

WILPF US has endorsed the Hands Off Iran! global campaign, and we encourage members to sign the petition, found at Hands Off Iran, the multilingual website for this global campaign.

Below is the text of the statement, which can also be found here.

WILPF US Statement on Iran and the Middle East
Jan. 23, 2020

    The US Section of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF US), condemns the illegal killing of General Qassim Soleimani and at least six other people who died in the US drone attack at the Baghdad airport on January 3, 2020. We reject the US government’s unilateral stand as the world police and Trump’s focus on attacking and killing an individual, rather than using diplomacy.
    In the current situation, with Iraq totally destabilized and Iranians suffering from violence, insecurity, hunger, lack of prospects and imposed sanctions, this assassination adds fuel to the fires smoldering in the Middle East. In addition, this US action can undermine the ongoing peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan and damage the international consensus that has developed on peace efforts, not only for Afghanistan but for the whole region.
    Wars in the Middle East must end. This latest US escalation of violence is part of a long record of aggressive intervention by the US, NATO, and US allied forces in this explosive region.
    The US military base in Ramstein, Germany, was probably used for this recent attack. WILPF US joins with the German peace movement in calling for the end of such warlike operations by this US base on German soil. WILPF US condemns the logistic cooperation of the Ramstein base for drone attacks like this one and other military operations in the Middle East. We urge the US to halt the proposed enlargement of the Ramstein base and to work to close this base and other US bases in over 130 sovereign countries around the world.
    We further appeal to all governments and institutions to immediately stop the spiral of military escalation and to invest in diplomacy and active peace strategies. A war between the US and Iran would cause great suffering to people in Iran, Iraq, and throughout the region; and it would benefit only those few who profit from wars. WILPF calls the public’s attention to the continuous bombings and ongoing weapons transfers in numerous parts of the Middle East region.
    We must not tolerate the US government’s casual disregard for the reverberations of this assassination. Since its founding over 100 years ago, the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom has been pointing to some root causes of war and violence: power relations, economic profit, and the humiliation of the “other.” In the fragile situation of Iran after the US exit from the nuclear treaty, attacking and destabilizing the current Iran regime is not helpful. When the US attacks the Iran government, Iranians’ popular support for their country is only strengthened. Also, feelings of hate and revenge are amplified in the Iranian population, feeding the spiral of violence.
    Contrary to supporting the development of diverse and democratic inclinations in Iran, the actions of the US government open the way for a more radical and militarized regime. The people of Iran are caught in the middle.
    WILPF US has repeatedly criticized the ongoing US government threats and strategy of deterrence through weapons of mass destruction.  War destroys cultures, the natural environment, and human beings. By continuing to raise the threat of using nuclear weapons against Iran, as well as other states, the Trump administration’s rhetoric stirs up uninformed attitudes among more extreme segments of the US electorate. War – even in the minds of people – is unacceptable.
    The US administration fails to discuss or publicize the dire global and political consequences that make unthinkable any – even very limited – use of nuclear weapons.  WILPF US emphasizes that there is no justification for the use of nuclear arms.  
    The US must lead by example. It is time for a new foreign policy. The ruins of Syria show us what our country can become. Spreading weapons and hate can bring only war and destruction, not just to the Middle East but to the US and to the world.
    We want no war with Iran! We urge the US Congress to refuse to support preparations for war and to take a clear stand against this illegal assassination. Congress must resist this push towards war on the part of the Executive Branch and reclaim its authority to decide when to go to war.  
    The women’s movement in Iran had been making gains, but women throughout the Middle East continue to suffer and be victimised by the ongoing conflicts. Women must be included in peace negotiations. A new direction is needed, creating a different international environment and with many visions on how to build peace through diplomacy. Women in Iran, in Iraq, and throughout the Middle East and North Africa region have great expertise in negotiation and dialogue. Their knowledge of how to strengthen human rights and reject extremism is a precious resource which the world needs to utilize.
    The way toward peace and democracy is built on such diplomacy; strengthening the voice of the people; and supporting the rebuilding of schools, roads, and other infrastructure.
    Consequently, the US government should take action to stop the war in Yemen; help rebuild Iraq and Syria; support the peace effort in Libya; help assist Jordan with the burden of many refugees; bring a just and lasting peace in Palestine; and restore human, civil, and economic rights in Gaza. Calling for an international peace conference in the Middle East would be a first step for the US to bring many nations together on steps toward peace and to support a new, positive agenda for the region.
    Creating and preserving peace must be our priority. Only by diverting the money and human resources wasted on war can we fund the global changes needed to protect our planet from the devastating effects of the climate crisis. We appeal to the peace movement to unite! Continue with courage and strength to discredit profit making from military adventures, to stop weapons production and marketing, to move the money from war to human and environmental needs, and to stop dehumanizing international relationships.