Peace Forum: The Impacts of War

PHOTO: ©2001-2003 Bill Scheider

The initial assault on Iraq was the second phase of the Bush administration's "endless war" on terrorism, following the attack on Afghanistan a year earlier. US-initiated hostilities aren't over in Afghanistan or Iraq, and the likelihood of suicide attacks, guerilla warfare, and organized resistance to militaristic aggression have barely begun.

What are the realities of this era into which the US is dragging the world? What does it mean, both at home and abroad? How do we begin to address the complex, seemingly overwhelming challenges it presents?

Broadening our understanding of the problems, linking the issues, and connecting the dots enables us to strengthen our efforts in creative alliances as we work to change the dangerous course on which our nation has embarked.

The April 26 forum, "The Impacts of War," will include expert presentations as well comments and questions from audience participants and look at the following areas:

• Environmental and human health impacts of this war;
• Broader ecological implications;
• Impacts on veterans;
• Aggressive curtailing of civil liberties;
• Economic factors and domestic impacts;,
• Implications for future UN engagement and international relations;
• The global grassroots movement for peace and justice;
• Local organizations engaged in peace, social justice, and civil liberties work.

Confirmed presenters include activist and organizer Martin Gonzalez, attorney Alan Graf, environmental law expert Lin Harmon-Walker, veterans Mike Mullane and Colleen Helmstetter, international law expert Thomas Nelson, Catherine Thomasson, MD, historian Elliott Young, and others.