Peace Talk — Autumn 2006
The Quarterly Newsletter of Peace Action MaineWe insist that there can be no military solution to an essentially political problem. The only basis for lasting peace in the region is to negotiate a fair and comprehensive settlement among the combatants.
By failing for the last five years to act as an honest broker, the United States bears heavy responsibility for the current crisis. We call upon President Bush to restore a dialogue of peace among the combatants, the other governments in the region, and the international community by using every means available, including proven seasoned diplomats.
We urge all parties in the conflict to uphold a commitment to international law—especially the cardinal principle of non-combatant immunity—and to resolutions of the United Nations.
The attacks and reprisals now raging have victimized many innocent civilians and those least able to protect themselves. Children are paying a particularly terrible price.
Finally, we call upon the nations of the world—and especially upon our own government—to initiate a massive influx of humanitarian aid into the region and to support a major project of rebuilding war-torn areas.
The devastation inflicted by this futile war—already in the billions of dollars—will take decades to repair.
The continuing military hostilities in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as in Lebanon, pose a serious threat of escalation. An immediate cease-fire on all sides is imperative to enable humanitarian and environmental rescue and to stop the conflict from engulfing the entire region with dire consequences for the world.