Fw: Support a Step Back from War - FCNL

----- Original Message -----
From: "Joe Volk" <joevolk@fcnl.org>
To: "Miriam Vieni" <miriamvieni@optonline.net>
Sent: Thursday, June 08, 2006 4:28 PM
Subject: Iran: Support a Step Back from War - FCNL

In the past few days, the U.S. and the Iranian governments have halted
their mutual march toward war. But there are still voices arguing for
confrontation, not cooperation. Members of Congress need to hear from
constituents that war with Iran is not the answer.

This week, the European Union (EU) proposed a framework for
negotiations to defuse the escalating crisis over Iranian nuclear
development. The Bush administration, under domestic and international
pressure, has been forced to pursue diplomacy over military threats and
accept the EU proposal. The cause of human security has a victory--for
now. Quakers and others who oppose war have reason to celebrate this
step. But many more steps will have to be taken to realize the
peace-building potential of the EU proposal.

The EU proposal offers economic normalization with Iran in return for
comprehensive surveillance of its nuclear facilities by international
inspectors. Iran would be allowed to build additional nuclear reactors
and enrich uranium for its civilian nuclear program.

The proposal also includes support for a weapons of mass
destruction-free zone in the Middle East. The EU secured the support of
Israel for the package before it was delivered to Iran.

The EU offer, backed by the U.S., and the conciliatory words coming out
of Tehran are encouraging. Through public pressure we have at least
stopped, if not reversed, the march toward war.

However, the crisis is not over. The deal with Iran is not final yet.
Hawks in both Washington and Tehran are trying to undermine this
diplomatic solution. Already some voices in Washington are denouncing
the carrots-and-sticks package, arguing for a sticks-only approach.

*Take Action Now*

Members of Congress, in particular Republican senators, have influence
over the direction the administration takes in solving the Iranian
crisis. They are listening to constituents to gauge what their own
positions should be. You have an opportunity to influence those
decisions.

Write a short letter to your representative and senators supporting
diplomacy over military threats. You can find a sample message and
contact your members of Congress directly on FCNL's
website: http://capwiz.com/fconl/issues/alert/?alertid=8829841

Modify your letter to refer to news coverage of this agreement and
submit it as a letter-to-the-editor to your local newspaper. You can
find a sample message and submit your letter directly through FCNL's
website: http://capwiz.com/fconl/issues/alert/?alertid=8829921

The looming U.S.-Iranian war is a war that can be prevented. However,
this opportunity may last only a few weeks. Now is the time to state
the truth that "War is not the answer."

_______________________________________

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________________________________________

Friends Committee on National Legislation
245 Second St. NE, Washington, DC 20002-5795
fcnl@fcnl.org * http://www.fcnl.org
phone: (202)547-6000 * toll-free: (800)630-1330

We seek a world free of war and the threat of war
We seek a society with equity and justice for all
We seek a community where every person's potential may be fulfilled
We seek an earth restored.
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