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Volume CXXXII, Number 17 |
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A Resolution Condemning Preemptive Military Action in Iraq
Whereas, on October 16, 2002 Public Law 107-243 granted President Bush the authority to use the armed forces of the United States of America in order to defend the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq and enforce all United Nation security resolutions regarding Iraq.
Whereas, this broad transferal of power grants President Bush the means to engage in unilateral military action thereby absolving him from accountability to the international community as embodied by the United Nations.
Whereas, a unilateral military action, or even a "collective of the willing," has the capacity to affect already tenuous relations with important international trading partners.
Whereas, the evidence presented on February 5, 2003 by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell failed to demonstrate an immediate threat posed by Iraq to the national security of the United States.
Whereas, an invasion of Iraq would establish a precedent for preemptive war, allowing other countries to utilize a similar policy against the United States and our allies, as illustrated in North Korea's recent threat of a preemptive attack on U.S. forces.
Whereas, U.S. military action against Iraq would aggravate the already unstable political relations in the Middle East.
Whereas, a U.S. led war against Iraq would exacerbate anti-U.S. sentiments, leading to acts of violence against U.S. citizens and institutions abroad.
Whereas, even a "swift" military action in Iraq will require long-term U.S. military commitment, as seen in the continued presence of troops in Afghanistan.
Whereas, it has been estimated that it would cost U.S. taxpayers between $50 and $200 billion to fight the war and an additional $12 to $50 billion a year in peacekeeping operations.
Whereas, U.S. military action in Iraq will jeopardize the lives of many U.S. Soldiers and Iraqi civilians.
Whereas, the conflict in Iraq will result in widespread environmental degradation and the destruction of vital civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and public water systems.
Whereas, the assertion that military action is our only recourse ignores the creativity, ingenuity, and dignity of people within the United States and elsewhere to find nonviolent solutions to grave conflicts.
Therefore be it resolved, we, the undersigned students of Bowdoin College, regardless of whether or not Iraq has fully complied with U.N. resolution 1441, oppose preemptive military action in Iraq; moreover
Be it resolved, we urge President Bush to seek a policy of non-violent
conflict resolution, to continue to allow the inspections to take place
and to work within the framework of the United Nations. We also urge Senator
Snowe, Senator Collins, Congressman Michaud, and Congressman Allen to
lead the President toward a policy consistent with these guidelines. We
affirm our support for the men and women in our armed services, however
we urge our leadership to do everything within its power to see that these
lives are not risked unnecessarily.
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