Resolution on the War In Iraq

Young people face the greatest threats from the war, both at home and in the battlefield. The Young Communist League, has joined young people in resisting the militaristic foreign policy of the Bush administration from the beginning.

Young people face the greatest threats from the war, both at home and in the battlefield. The Young Communist League, has joined young people in resisting the militaristic foreign policy of the Bush administration from the beginning. We spoke out against the invasion of Afghanistan and participated in building a strong youth voice in the fight against the war in Iraq. Now, most Americans agree with us. And so do the troops -- 72% of US soldiers recently surveyed in Iraq say they think troops should be withdrawn.

What is the continuing presence in Iraq doing? The Iraqi people are the constant victims of torture and executions by the U.S. military; death squads, attacks on civilians and exploding sectarian violence between the Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish communities; car bombings and other terrorist attacks on civilians. Young people in Iraq have lost the opportunity to study, work, and lead a normal life. Families are torn apart by waves of violence.

Thousands of U.S. troops have been killed or maimed in their role as unwelcome occupiers of a sovereign foreign nation fighting an illegal, immoral and ultimately unwinnable war.

The war has come home in very real ways.

The government has used the war as an excuse to spy on us, trace our calls and our internet use, and crack down on our protests. The YCL stands against the Bush administration's 'war on terror' policies that only make life more dangerous, especially for immigrants and young people of color. The inhuman conditions at the Guantanomo Bay military base—on land that should be given back to Cuba—is part of a worldwide network of illegal U.S. prisons and torture facilities. But these are coming to light, and people in the U.S. and around the world are outraged.

Meanwhile, military recruiters continue to take advantage of the devastated conditions of our public schools and communities in order to lure young people into joining the military. While funding for the war skyrockets, the Bush budget cynically drains funds from education and jobs. But even as the poverty draft drags youth, especially youth of color, into a cruel circle of lies and bribery, high school and college students, working with veterans and teachers, are bravely exposing the truths behind the slimy military recruitment campaigns.

It's only through solidarity with the youth of Iraq and youth around the world that we can stop this war. The peace marches and grassroots activism to bring the troops home are part of a worldwide movement. Now we must look towards the 2006 Congressional elections as an important opportunity to change the balance of Congress and reject Bush’s pre-emptive first strike policy which threatens soverign nations, undermines international law and puts the lives of millions in danger.

The YCL is committed to ending this unjust and ruinous occupation, and bringing home all the troops immediately – ensuring that soldiers are cared for when they return. We join young people all over the country in calling for money for Books Not Bombs!

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