5.05.2005

Petition on the Connection between the Iraq War and Libraries

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.
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