wfn.org | National Council of Churches on Recent Developments in Iraq

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

NCC Expresses Sadness, Indignation at Mounting Death Toll, Chaos in Iraq; 
Torture of Iraqi Prisoners

May 5, 2004, New York City -- The National Council of Churches USA is 
watching with growing sadness and indignation the devolution of the crisis 
in Iraq into increasing chaos. This chaos is marked by a mounting death 
toll of United States soldiers, Iraqi civilians, and others; the continuing 
civil unrest throughout Iraq; uncertainty as to Iraqi leadership after the 
transition on June 30; little and only begrudging change in posture on the 
part of the United States with regard to the international communitybs role 
in Iraq; and now the devastating report of the humiliation and torture of 
Iraqi prisoners by U.S. military personnel.

The United States ostensibly went to war in Iraq as a part of its bwar on 
terror.b No matter what one thinks of the bwar on terrorb as the guiding 
principle of U.S. foreign policy, its primary goal of eradicating terrorism 
as an imminent threat against people of goodwill throughout the world 
requires the cooperation of most, if not all, countries in the world.

How can Americans expect such cooperation when our actions can only be met 
with revulsion? Indeed, our actions have resulted, not only in the 
squandering of the universal goodwill enjoyed by the U.S. in the wake of 
the 9/11 attacks, but also in the alienation of many around the world who 
once saw American democracy as something to be emulated. How else to assess 
the damage done by the unilateral invasion of Iraq, the deprival of due 
process for more than 600 people imprisoned at Guantanamo, the closing down 
of an Iraqi newspaper, the appalling mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners?

The common cause that all countries should share in the bwar against 
terrorb is overtaken by resentment against the United States for what is 
seen as a betrayal of its own ideals. Unfortunately, the photographic 
emblem of this war will not be the tearing down of Saddam Husseinbs statue 
by Americans and Iraqis in joint celebration; it will be the pyramid of 
naked Iraqi prisoners being taunted by U.S. soldiers in a moment of moral 
bankruptcy.

Especially in a world filled with conflict, our faith calls us, as 
witnesses to Christ who is our peace, to fellowship and community with all 
people and nations. The path to such community is not an easy one. It 
requires much dialogue, respect for others, and the belief in the dignity 
of all human beings. Such community also requires shared commitments and 
rules of legitimate behavior, as expressed in international law and agreed 
upon by the community of nations.

It is time the United States take actions that befit its place among the 
community of nations. It is time we Americans stand up and demand it of 
ourselves.

-end-

Media Contact: Carol Fouke, 212-870-2252; cfouke@ncccusa.org