Positive Universe Abstracts

Transnational Institute

Phyllis Bennis

Institute for Policy Studies, 1 May 2007

The anticipated Bush veto of the Iraq war funding bill should be welcomed by the peace movement. Its demand should remain “no money for war”, argues Phyllis Bennis.

The anticipated veto of the Iraq war funding bill demonstrates the extent of White House extremism. Bush is not rejecting a “bring all the troops home and end the war” bill but rather rejecting a compromise bill that would provide $100 billion to continue the war, would set only a “goal” of removing some troops by March 2008, would allow 60-80,000 troops to remain indefinitely, would not restrict a U.S. attack on Iran, would allow the 100,000+ U.S.-paid mercenaries in Iraq to continue with only insignificant restrictions, would require Iraq to accept a new oil bill, and would allow Bush to ignore suggested requirements for adequate training, equipping and rest of U.S. troops.

Bush’s veto of the $100 billion funding bill should be welcomed as a victory for anti-war forces. Congressional Democrats should declare it a recognition that the war is over, and announce that a new bill will immediately be put on the table to determine what funds, if any, are needed to bring all the troops home safely, quickly and securely.

The anti-war movement should maintain consistency and clarity on our position: not one more death, not one more dollar. That means our demand remains that NO new funds go to the war effort, so we urge a No vote on this or any bill that provides additional funding for any part of the war other than bringing all the troops and mercenaries home as quickly as possible. [more]

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