PEACE

URGE CONGRESS TO SUPPORT HOLY LAND PEACE TALKS

Let your members of Congres know that you support strong U.S. leadership to secure a just peace in the Holy Land and that you believe peace is possible. Visit the Catholics Confront Global Poverty Action Center to send members of Congress a message now.

President Obama recently hosted the Prime Minister of Israel and the President of the Palestinian Authority in Washington to restart direct negotiations on a peace agreement. The goal is to complete negotiations on final status issues within one year.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is over six decades old. Both sides will need to make difficult compromises to reach an agreement on final status issues that include: Jerusalem, refugees, settlements, security arrangements, and borders. Rejectionists and extremists on both sides may well try to sabotage the talks.

Please contact Congress NOW!

Source of information and link: Catholic Relief Service

IRAQ WAR IS NOT OVER YET

On August 31, 2010, President Obama announced that the combat mission in Iraq is over. Although this is an important step, the war will only end after the last U.S. soldier leaves the country, scheduled to happen by December 31, 2011.

E-mail the White House to commend the ongoing withdrawal of U.S. forces, and help reaffirm the call for complete removal of all U.S. forces and bases from Iraq.

http://support.afsc.org/site/R?i=MQo0-OXRvoyR5Lgn87iQLg

The relationship between the U.S. and Iraq for the last twenty years has been defined by conflict, sanctions, war and occupation. The steps taken by the U.S. in the next year can make the difference in transforming this relationship.

There is an important role for everyone to play. It begins with reminding our elected officials that peace is not simply the absence of fighting. Peace requires a relationship defined by dignity and justice between our peoples.

E-mail the White House today!

Source of Information and link: American Friends Service Committee.