Thu, Sep 11, 2014 03:06 PM

The media calls the U.S. public war weary. Yes, the people are war weary after seemingly endless and pointless wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Deep down most people know that endless war is not a solution. The U.S. cannot bomb an organization, ideology, religious fanaticism or sectarian strife out of existence. As we continued military action, Al Qaeda has continued to grow. There is no long term military solution to the threat of ISIS or terrorism.  Write a letter to the editor to remind the President, Congress and our communities: there is no military solution. In Iraq, history proves that short term military victories turn into long term nightmares. Ten years ago, U.S. private contractors were brutally killed. The battle for Fallujah was waged with horrendous consequences. Now ISIS controls Fallujah. For the people of Fallujah, the U.S.-instigated nightmare continues. We need a coalition for a political solution, not military action! There are alternatives to bombing ISIS in Iraq and Syria that are not posed in public opinion polls and are largely absent in the political debate. The alternatives require the U.S. to replace military action with a real international diplomatic response that will provide the political power, the economic incentives and support for rebuilding a non-sectarian Iraq, humanitarian aid and an end to the Syrian war.  It is urgent that you take the time to write a Letter to the Editor to outline the alternatives. The President and Congress should: 1. Stop the bombing and military escalation. We’ve seen before how unintended consequences can spiral out of control, causing more pain and suffering in the region and hurting U.S. security. 2.  Hit ISIS where it hurts: the wallet! Take steps to cut the cash flowing to ISIS.  Crack down on Turkish, Iraqi, and other oil dealers who are purchasing ISIS's oil on the black market, which would cut ISIS off from its most important revenue stream. 3. Build a  coalition for a political solution, not military action! Support a United Nations-led effort to convene Iraq, Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, European Union and Russia to develop strong diplomatic, economic and political initiatives to restrict the flow of arms, militias and finances across borders. Support restarting UN-sponsored negotiations to end the Syrian civil war. Write a letter to the editor There is no long term solution to the threat of ISIS. No to bombing! Yes to a political solution. You can also call Congress, which is currently somewhat confused about whether it will do its Constitutional job and vote on any authorization for war, with this same message. The U.S. Capitol switchboard number is (202) 224-3121, they will connect you to your U.S. Representative or Senators’ offices. The people are war weary. Peace Action is war wise and our mission is to build a movement that is vocal in articulating the alternatives to war.  Please write a letter today. Power to the peaceful, Judith LeBlanc Field Director Peace Action P.S. - Our sister organizations and some reporters are providing an abundance of resource materials, some are below. 1. What President Obama Should Announce: A Plan to Resolve the ISIS Threat without American Bombs.  By Win Without War 2. To Defeat the Islamic State, Follow the Money  By Howard J. Shatz 3. Six Steps Short of War to Beat ISIS] by Phyllis Bennis, a Peace Action Advisory Board member Take Action: There are alternatives to war.  Help get the word out.  Write a letter to the editor. CONNECT TO US:  Find us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  Read our blog  Contact us You are subscribed to Peace Action's Action Alert Network. You can unsubscribe here.