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Support Economic Development, Not Escalation, in Afghanistan
The war in Afghanistan has dragged on for more than seven years and, by all accounts, is getting worse. In the coming weeks, President Obama will be proposing a new strategy for Afghanistan. We believe only a surge in funding for diplomacy and development – not just more military escalation – will bring long-term peace to the troubled region.
If you will sign this petition, Jim Wallis will hand-deliver it to President Obama's administration.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Support Economic Development, Not Escalation, in Afghanistan
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
Dear President Obama,
As a person of faith, I encourage you to support diplomacy and economic development over military escalation as you update U.S. strategy in Afghanistan. The Afghan people need security and stability, but simply adding more U.S. troops will not achieve that goal.
While there is some economic development activity already taking place in Afghanistan, I applaud your budget request to Congress to increase non-military assistance, providing additional funding for governance, reconstruction, and other development activities that will help counter extremists. Our nation cannot endure another Iraq - now is the time to find solutions that could lead to a lasting peace.
Therefore I urge you to strongly press Congress for full funding for non-military assistance and to reconsider the escalation of offensive operations. Instead of increasing our military profile, the U.S. should erect schools for young women, strengthen civil society institutions, promote traditional justice mechanisms encouraging the rule of law, clean up old weapons and landmines, foster local agricultural projects, and make similar efforts. I agree with a report recently published by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace that states, "The mere presence of foreign soldiers fighting a war in Afghanistan is probably the single most important factor in the resurgence of the Taliban."
Providing a better life for the people of Afghanistan will provide greater stability than just sending additional military forces.
Sincerely,
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Campaign Launched:
March 19, 2009
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