Obama: End the Occupation of Iraq
President-Elect Barack Obama pledged to end the occupation of Iraq during his campaign and this should be his number one priority. The occupation of Iraq has cost the US economy hundreds of billions of dollars, lasted longer then World War II, and displaced millions of Iraqis from their homes, while destabilizing the entire region.
Obama will face tremendous challenges early in his administration and feel the pull from hawkish members of his own party and Republicans. He'll need the support of the public to maintain the political will to end the occupation of Iraq, bring our troops home, and resolve the humanitarian crisis.
Sign our open letter to President-Elect Barack Obama to see through his pledge to end the occupation of Iraq.
Dear President-Elect Obama,
Americans are looking to you for a fresh start and an end to the Iraq war as you rebuild our relationships with the global community. A smart investment in a comprehensive strategy can make America safer, and contribute to political stability in Iraq and the region. We call on you to pursue a strategy that includes:
- Withdrawing all troops and private contractors within one year without leaving a vulnerable and provocative residual force
- Creating a "diplomatic surge" that engages Iraq's neighbors (including Iran and Syria) and the international community
- Leading donor efforts for Iraqi-controlled reconstruction and humanitarian aid, and securing assistance to Iraq's almost 5 million displaced people, as well as for Iraqis endangered due to their assistance of the US effort
- Assisting in the establishment of international peacekeeping and stabilization forces if requested by the Iraqi people.
Thank you.
