...Congressional Debate Heats Up ~ Interview with Leslie Cagan, national coordinator of United for Peace and Justice, conducted by Between the Lines' Scott Harris
Peace Movement Works for Withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Iraq as Congressional Debate Heats Up
Interview with Leslie Cagan, national coordinator of United for Peace and Justice, conducted by Scott Harris
As the third anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq approaches, congressional debate over President Bush's divisive war is heating up. U.S. Rep. John Murtha's call for a speedy withdrawal of American forces from Iraq reflected rising opposition to the war, as seen in public opinion polls. The conservative Democrat from Pennsylvania's unexpectedly blunt criticism of the war emboldened several Democrats, such as House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, to publicly embrace Murtha's message.
The Pentagon's recent admission that it had paid to have pro-U.S. stories published in the Iraqi press, added to the sense that the White House optimism on the war was simply an extension of a foreign and domestic propaganda campaign. President Bush, reacting to increasing criticism of the war, delivered a speech at the U.S. Naval Academy, labeled a "Plan for Victory." But the address simply repeated many of the administration's old talking points while touting the progress made toward training Iraqi soldiers.
Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Leslie Cagan, national coordinator of United for Peace and Justice, the coalition that has had a major role in organizing anti-war protests and lobbying efforts. Cagan assesses the changing tone of congressional debate on the Iraq War and the task of the peace movement to advocate for a rapid withdrawal of U.S. troops.
Contact United for Peace and Justice by calling (212) 868-5545 or visit their website at www.unitedforpeace.org
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Original: BTL:Peace Movement Works for Withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Iraq as...