[Peace-discuss] Iraq resolution

[Alfred Kagan]

I am pleased to report that the American Library Association's Council 
passed the following resolution on Wednesday.


Resolution on the Connection between the Iraq War and Libraries
 

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 1700 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 fraction 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 withdrawal 
from Iraq of all U.S. military forces, and the return of full 
sovereignty to the people of Iraq.
Resolved that the American Library Association calls upon the United 
States government to provide material assistance through the United 
Nations for the reconstruction of Iraq, including its museums, 
libraries, schools, and other cultural resources.
Resolved that the American Library Association calls upon the United 
States government to subsequently shift its budgetary priorities from 
the occupation of Iraq to improve support for vital domestic programs, 
including U.S. libraries.
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.

 Related ALA policies:
18.4 Resolution on Libraries and Cultural Resources in Iraq (June 25, 
2003)
53.7 Destruction of Libraries
53.8 Libraries: an American Value
Additional precedent: ALA Resolution on the Southeast Asia Conflict 
(1971)
Mover: Tom Twiss; Seconder: Mary Sue Brown
Approved by ALA Council, June 29, 2005



Al Kagan
African Studies Bibliographer and Professor of Library Administration
University of Illinois Library
1408 W. Gregory Drive
Urbana, IL 61801

tel. 217-333-6519
fax 217-333-2214
akagan at uiuc.edu
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