Just as Rome wasn't rebuilt in a day, the same must be said for Baghdad and Kabul. But start we must!
(SALEM, Ore.) - Having just returned from beautiful Puget Sound and the Seabeck Conference on Social Justice and Peace, I am even more aware that pro-peace progressives do not accept troop withdrawal as a "panacea for peace".
In point of fact, this represents merely Step #1. If we simply pull out and do nothing more, we are committing the counterpart of President Bush's shock-and-awe-and- leave-them-in the lurch strategy. We are practicing simplistic naivete.
It is true that Sunnis and Shiites and Kurds have their deep-rooted differences, but peaceful resolution is an imperative option. That is no less important than that of promoting a peaceful multicultural American society.
From what I gleaned from attendees, here are several tangible steps we can pursue:
1. Shared Diplomacy: Actively having the UN and the Arab League take part. This may include peacekeeping.
2. Koranic Scholar Role: Using the text of the Koran to spread conflict resolution principles to public officials throughout Iraq and Afghanistan, including the police.
3. Job Development Centers: Retrofitting existing army bases into job training sites geared to rebuilding the eroded infrastructure of each country.
4. Green Initiative: Have solar power and like techniques interwoven into future projects, using the Greenburg, KS model as one rebuilt after a devastating tornado struck.
5. Cultural Interchange: Apply Fulbright-style schooling in Europe and the US for scholars of the Mideast. Help us to appreciate their music, art and literature as well.
Just as Rome wasn't rebuilt in a day, the same must be said for Baghdad and Kabul. But start we must!
Beyond Troop Withdrawal: Planning Ahead for PeaceSalem-News.com