Today We Recognize Those Who Chose Peace
Win Without War
(July 14, 2020) — Five years ago this week, the Iran nuclear deal was signed. It was an incredible diplomatic success, showing that the world could resolve our disagreements — without resorting to war. But it was also a MAJOR political fight.
Politicians and policymakers who supported the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA or the Iran deal) were attacked, called dangerously naive, and put on notice of a coming political price to pay for supporting diplomacy. History has shown, of course, that diplomacy worked, that standing up for peace was popular, and, as Elliot Engel’s recent election loss shows — bad policy is also bad politics.
Today we recognize those who chose peace. As we witness impossible visions being realized despite incredible odds, we choose to dream of a better tomorrow where — once again — the world solves its problems without resorting to war.
That’s why now as we dig into the work ahead, I’m asking you to take a moment and join us in thanking the Senators who were with us five years ago.
Progressive foreign policy can only be achieved through the close cooperation of political leaders and broad grassroots movements from across the globe.
Over many years, advocates and activists built a powerful movement for diplomacy with Iran. Working closely with the Obama administration and champions for peace in Congress, we built an incredible coalition: nuclear physicists, former military officials, non-proliferation experts, progressive activists, members of Congress, and the governments of dozens of countries. Together, we dedicated ourselves to the goal of verifiably blocking Iran’s pathways to a nuclear weapon, without using military action.
Then, in May 2018, Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from their agreement, despite its proven and continued success.
As people like Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo continue to push us to the brink of war with Iran — and the slightest misstep or provocation could cost countless lives — it’s more important than ever that we remind our allies of their courage AND our shared commitment to diplomacy and international cooperation.
Add your name to a thank-you card for current senators who supported the original Iran deal!
It’s been a hard few months — the pandemic has stolen so many lives and laid bare the inequalities that too many have been shouldering for far too long. The failure of the Trump administration is staggering, breathtaking, and yet at the same time, utterly unsurprising.
BUT, things are changing, conversations are happening in D.C. and around the country that wouldn’t have been possible just a few short months ago. Transformational moments are so often the result of hard fought battles along the way — many which we too easily forget.
The mobilization around the Iran deal was another one of those moments, and by showing up to say ‘thank-you’ now, we’re reminding those in Congress that our memories are long — and our gratitude lasting.
Now, because of the Trump administration’s reckless and destructive foreign policy — including withdrawing from this landmark nuclear deal — the Iranian people are once again feeling the brunt of crushing sanctions. This, in addition to suffering under a government that consistently fails to safeguard the lives, dignity, and wellbeing of people in Iran or in the wider region that has only been exacerbated by the global pandemic.
The current heartbreak of this moment is a strong reminder that we need more political buy-in, more popular support, and more institutional backing of diplomacy and non-military solutions to ensure we don’t have fleeting victories, but long-lasting change that we, and so many around the world, deserve.
We continue to build the relationships — with members of Congress and our progressive organizational allies — that will get us there. Today we’re doing so with two simple words: Thank you.
Thank you for working for peace,
Shayna, Amy, Sara, and the Win Without War team
Report Finds US is ‘Blundering Toward Nuclear Chaos,’ Reveals New Insights on Growing Dangers
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 4, 2020) — Today, the American Nuclear Policy Initiative (ANPI), a task force of former government and non-governmental experts, released its new report providing an objective analysis of nuclear policy under Donald Trump. The report finds that all of the nuclear challenges facing America — some inherited by the President and others of his own creation — have worsened over the last three years, putting American and allied security at greater risk of nuclear use.
The report features seven papers from ANPI members, detailing the current administration’s efforts on the issues of nuclear proliferation, strategic stability, nuclear modernization, Iran, and North Korea. Each paper makes clear there are growing concerns in most, if not all, of the various nuclear dangers facing the United States and its allies.
“Every President has the responsibility to set nuclear policy and protect America from nuclear war, but we have never witnessed such misguided or poorly implemented policies as we have under the current Administration. Some ideas this administration has pursued are just plain dangerous, but even in areas where they have laid out reasonable goals, the lack of a reliable policy process or consistent attention from the top keeps those goals dangerously out of reach.
This group of nuclear and security experts is expressing collective concern about where we are and where we are headed, with the hope that those leaders responsible for our security, now and in the future, will take notice and think about how to change course before it is too late,” said Global Zero Senior Advisor Jon Wolfsthal, who coordinates the group.
Over the next year, the ANPI will work to develop informed, cohesive and pragmatic policy solutions for many of the near-term issues and challenges identified in this report. Beyond protecting American security interests, particular attention will be paid to the special efforts needed to (1) repair the considerable damage done by the Trump administration to the policy and the capabilities of the United States Government, and (2) effectively manage nuclear dangers in the future.
Drawing from member’s own expertise, and benefitting from the analysis of respected and experienced US national security and military experts, the ANPI will assess what steps will be required to effectively and swiftly implement a new nuclear policy direction in the aftermath of the current administration’s approach.
Posted in accordance with Title 17, Section 107, US Code, for noncommercial, educational purposes.
