Suleimaniya, Iraq—The future of Iraq is more complex and uncertain than the current U.S. narrative claims, according to a report just published by Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) in Iraq (download here in pdf format.)

The report quotes Iraqis who express doubt on the effects of the U.S. military “surge,” the trustworthiness of the Iraqi military, and the reliability of Iraqi public figures and institutions.

“Iraqis in this report challenge the simplistic success story that the U.S. is telling about Iraq,” says CPTer Marius van Hoogstraten.

The report, entitled “Iraq after the Occupation – Iraqis speak about the state of their country as the U.S. military withdraws,” is based on extensive interviews with Iraqi citizens in various parts of the country.  It recommends that the U.S. “think creatively” about ways to support Iraqi society before the U.S. military withdraws entirely at the end of 2011.

Christian Peacemaker Teams is seeking applications for early autumn delegations to Palestine/Israel (5-18 October; apply by 8 September); Colombia (13-26 October 2010; apply by 15 September); and Treaty #3 territory in Northwest Ontario (24 September-6 October, apply by 8 September).  Delegates to each of these areas become familiar with situations of injustice affecting local people and become effective instruments for peace as they spread the word about what they see and hear in their home communities and elsewhere. 

PRAYERS FOR PEACEMAKERS, Sep. 01, 2010

Give thanks for the recent retreat and undoing racism workshop experienced by many Christian Peacemaker Teams workers. Pray for more workers and for the finances needed to support them.

Doug Pritchard

Christian Peacemaker Teams

Toronto, Canada

It's one thing to talk from a distance about the courage needed to embrace nonviolence in an armed conflict. It’s entirely another when working for peaceful revolution involves breaking allegiance with a violent company that actively pursues traitors.

I wondered what was going on in your heart.  I had often encountered you on the streets before this day, and most often I observed you as a decent policeman trying to do your job.  This day I saw something so different in you.

A Swedish CPTer, in prison for disabling weapons of war, and his fellow inmates introduce each other to new worlds and convictions.

Israeli soldiers and police weld shut three Palestinian shops near a regular “Open Shuhada Street” demonstration site, leaving one injured, one expelled, four imprisoned (and thousands still under military occupation).

CPT Colombia calls on supporters to make phone calls to support the Women’s and People's International Summit of the Americas Against Militarization, and to oppose U.S. bases in Colombia.

July was a busy month for social activists in Colombia. The 20th marked the Bicentennial of Colombia’s so called “independence,” and the 13th marked 10 years of Plan Colombia.

July was a busy month for social activists in Colombia. The 20th marked the Bicentennial of Colombia’s so called “independence,” and the 13th marked 10 years of Plan Colombia.