CPTnet
26 March 2005

IRAQ: Ten Steps to Iraqi Freedom

by Peggy Gish and Sheila Provencher

On the second anniversary of the 2003 war, we are aware that our government
has refused to take steps to withdraw U.S. forces from Iraq. We would like
to encourage them. We invite you to join us in creative action and thinking
to come up with various steps that, if taken, could help Iraqi people become
free from military, political, and economic occupation, and could free our
own minds and hearts from ignorance, fear, and a sense of powerlessness. For
a start, below is one possible 10-step plan:

What might happen if

Day 1: The U.S. government offers an official and public apology for
beginning the war under false pretenses

Day 2: Human rights workers and the media are given free access to Fallujah
and other closed areas.

Day 3: Relatives and friends of U.S. soldiers offer support to soldiers
refusing to serve in Iraq.

Day 4: U.S. soldiers refuse orders to shoot civilians.

Day 5: U.S. commanders move troops away from urban areas.

Day 6: Iraqi employees of foreign military or corporations stage a one-day
walkout.

Day 7: U.S. Congress cuts all military spending for Iraq and for production
of weapons used there.

Day 8: U.S. commanders ground all military aircraft for two days.

Day 9: Iraqi workers refuse to work on permanent U.S. Bases.

Day 10: Iraqi oil money is redirected from the military to pay unemployed
Iraqis to rebuild houses, schools, and clinics.