- Draft Resolution/Petition on the
Connection between the Iraq War and Libraries
The following is a draft resolution which will be placed before ALA Council at the 2005 annual conference of ALA. It does not necessarily reflect the views of the American Library Association.
Whereas, the justifications for the invasion of Iraq have proven to be completely unfounded; and
Whereas, the war already has taken the lives of more than 100,000 Iraqis and more than 1500* U.S. soldiers; and
Whereas, these numbers will continue to mount as long as the U.S. remains in Iraq; and
Whereas, during the current occupation, many of Iraq's cultural treasures, including libraries, archives, manuscripts, and artifacts, have been destroyed, lost, or stolen; and
Whereas, as long as U.S. forces remain in Iraq, the inevitable escalation of fighting threatens further destruction of Iraq's cultural heritage; and
Whereas, the U.S. is spending billions of dollars every month for the occupation; and
Whereas, even a small faction of these resources would be more than sufficient for rebuilding and greatly enhancing the libraries and educational institutions of both Iraq and the US;
Therefore, be it resolved that the American Library Association calls for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal from Iraq of all U.S. military forces, and the return of full sovereignty to the people of Iraq;
And resolved that the United States provide material assistance through the United Nations for the reconstruction of Iraq, including its museums, libraries, schools, and other cultural resources;
And resolved that this resolution be sent to all members of Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the President of the United States, and the press.
*This figure will be updated periodically until the resolution is submitted.
