header-general
After the Iraq War: Pray - Study - Act
In This Issue
PRAY: A Prayer for Peace By Pope Leo XIII
STUDY: Iraq Study Guide from the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops
ACT: Welcome troops back home and help build a peaceful Iraq
Quick Links


Click here to read the American Casualties in Iraq since 2003

Click here to see the number of U.S. casualties and wounded by state.
Join our list
Join Our Mailing List
January 10, 2012
Greetings of peace!  

  

What is next after the pullout from Iraq?

  

Finally, President Barack Obama fulfilled his promise of bringing the troops back home from the Iraq war. Like so many other Americans and the world in general, he opposed the war from the very beginning. He called it a "dumb war" as he was preparing a campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2004.

 

As many expected from the president's announcement in October 2011, the pullout took place at the end of this past year. What a jubilant moment for families and friends to be reunited with their loved ones and to celebrate holy seasons! Welcome the troops home wherever you see them even if you were against this war. Help them as they make this transition back into their communities. It is not an easy transition at all. They are our brothers and sisters; let us welcome them back.

Iraq
Happily Reunited!

The future for many Iraqis and Americans recovering from this war and the violence left in Iraq is still uncertain. Numerous reports show that from March 2003 through December 2011, hundreds of thousands Iraqis were killed.  

 

More than one million Iraqis have been forced into refuge in neighboring countries. Additionally, more than two million are displaced in their own country. On the other hand, more than four thousand Americans lost their lives and more than 32,000 Americans have been wounded. And the Iraq war has cost the American taxpayers at least $800 billion.

 

Today, Iraq is left in chaos; political nightmares, insurgent attacks, inter-tribal and religious violence, and damaged infrastructure. Many of us wish the USA and its allies had not waged war against Iraq. There are so many questions we need to ask ourselves and reflect on: What is next for Iraqis and their country? Does the United States have a moral and a legal responsibility to help rebuild Iraq? And, what of our responsibility to the Iraq veterans?   The future after the pullout is still unfolding and hope is not lost yet. As we welcome and celebrate the New Year, let us open a new chapter for a new Iraq and America where peace and love will always prevail.

 

Happy New Year,

 

Peter Majura, Program Associate

 PRAY: A Prayer for Peace by Pope Leo XIII

O Lord, you see how everywhere the winds have burst forth, and the sea is convulsed with the great violence of the rising waves. Command, we beseech you who alone are able, both the winds and the sea. Restore to humankind the true peace of your name, that peace which the world cannot give, and the calm of social harmony.  

 

Under your favor and inspiration may human beings return to due order, and having overthrown the rule of greed, bring back again as ought to be, the love of God, justice, charity toward neighbor, temperance in all desires. May your kingdom come.  

 

May all recognize that they are subject to you, and must serve you who are truth and salvation; that without you they labor in vain. In your law is reason and parental kindness. You are ever at hand with your strength and your copious power to help humanity to keep it. Life upon earth is a warfare, but you watch the contest and aim humanity to conquer. The weak you sustain; the victor you crown.

STUDY: Iraq Study Guide

from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

  

In November 2007 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the "Iraq Study Guide." This study guide is still valid and useful for us all as we reflect on the pullouts and the future of Iraq and our veterans. Here is the link to the study guide.

  
ACT: Welcome troops back home and help build a peaceful Iraq

1.  Urge the Obama Administration and Congress to reshape U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East from fighting wars to preventing them. As stated in the Friends Committee on National Legislation's statement on the Iraq Withdrawal, this is an opportunity for the U.S. "to articulate a consistent policy toward the region based on robust multilateral diplomacy, self-determination of all peoples, respect for international law, the protection of human rights, and the prevention of further violent conflict."

 

2. Help troops in this transition after their deployment in Iraq to feel back home.

 

3. Provide help and hope to all veterans who find themselves homeless.  

 

4.  Join local or regional groups and organizations that work to helps veterans. Example: Iraq Veterans Against the War 

 

5. Support local and international organizations that work in Iraq to bring peace and security.