Declare the Iraq War Over
(and Avoid New Wars), Mr. President!
Win Without War
(December 18, 2024) — It’s outdated, was based on lies, and has wrecked countless lives; but did you know the law that authorized the Iraq War 22 years ago is STILL on the books?
There’s simply no reason to keep a legal authority to wage war against a government that hasn’t existed for 21 years, especially one that can justify deadly US strikes on the other side of the world. But while a small group of Republicans may have stalled repeal efforts in Congress, today, we have a different opportunity to take the teeth out of any future attempt to misuse the 2002 Authorization for Military Force (AUMF) tomorrow.
Here’s how it works: Congress left some wiggle room in the law – President Bush could only go to war if he determined that it was necessary. That means President Biden can make his own determination, this time to END the war through a presidential proclamation.
With just weeks left in office, he’ll need to move fast. The good news is that pressure from activists like you is exactly what’s required to push the president to act — will you take 30 seconds to pile it on now?
For too many people, our forever wars are faraway stories. But today, for communities in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Nigeria, Somalia, and beyond, as well as servicemembers and their families from the United States, our post-9/11 wars are an ongoing nightmare that can take away a loved one at the drop of a hat.
Despite multiple opportunities and bipartisan support for repeal in Congress over the past 22 years, obstruction has repeatedly stalled efforts to sunset the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF).
Biden was instrumetal in launching the iraq War.
Failing to repeal this law has left the door open to war and violence under multiple administrations. That includes Trump, who relied on the 2002 AUMF to assassinate an Iranian general in 2020, and pushed us terrifyingly close to a US-Iran war.
With Trump returning to office amidst breathtaking levels of violence in the Middle East, we need to throw up any and every roadblock on a path that could put the US government in a direct war with Iran or any other country.
If President Biden proclaims the Iraq War over, he could help close the door on the potential for future war, and reflect the will of the people, who have overwhelmingly supported ending endless US wars for years.
That’s not all: Officially ending the Iraq War also honors Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), a tireless champion for peace. Her work has been instrumental in the fight to repeal the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs, and as she prepares to leave Congress next month, such a move would push us closer to the goal she — and we — have worked so hard to meet.
With the stroke of a pen, the president could end a horrible chapter of US foreign policy and affirm his legacy as a leader who took meaningful steps to end endless war.
As officials at all levels of the Biden administration begin to think hard about the legacy they’re leaving behind, we have an urgent opportunity — an urgent responsibility — to keep up our pressure for peace. The world is watching and history will remember.
Twenty-two years ago, Congress authorized the invasion of Iraq, green-lighting a military intervention that has since destroyed the lives of millions of people.
We knew back then that this war was a mistake — in fact, Win Without War grew out of the movement to stop it — and now, we have a unique chance to tear out a crucial pillar of its foundation by formally ending the war the 2002 AUMF authorized.
As long as the 2002 AUMF and other zombie laws remain intact, hawkish politicians and generals can justify any form of military-first solutions: building more bombs, drone strikes within Iraq, and more. So let’s keep the pressure on to end endless war today.
Biden inspects US military presence in post-invasion Iraq.
THE LETTER
To President Biden:
I urge you to release a proclamation that formally declares the end of the Iraq War and terminates the authority of the 2002 Authorization for the Use of Military Force. You could nullify the power of that zombie AUMF and safeguard against its future abuse.
Thank you for working for peace,
The Win Without War team
