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Resolution on the Connection Between the Iraq War and Libraries

Adopted at 2005 Annual Conference

WHEREAS, The justifications for the invasion of Iraq have proven to be completely unfounded; and

WHEREAS, The war already has taken the lives of more than 100,000 Iraqis and more than 1700 U.S. soldiers; and

WHEREAS, These numbers will continue to mount as long as the U.S. remains in Iraq; and

WHEREAS, During the current occupation, many of Iraq's cultural treasures, including libraries, archives, manuscripts, and artifacts, have been destroyed, lost, or stolen; and

WHEREAS, As long as U.S. forces remain in Iraq, the inevitable escalation of fighting threatens further destruction of Iraq's cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. is spending billions of dollars every month for the occupation; and

WHEREAS, Even a small fraction of these resources would be more than sufficient for rebuilding and greatly enhancing the libraries and educational institutions of both Iraq and the U.S.; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ calls for the withdrawal from Iraq of all U.S. military forces, and the return of full sovereignty to the people of Iraq; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ urges the United States government to subsequently shift its budgetary priorities from the occupation of Iraq to improved support for vital domestic programs, including United States libraries; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ calls upon the United States government to provide material assistance through the United Nations for the reconstruction of Iraq, including its museums, libraries, schools, and other cultural resources; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this resolution be sent to all members of Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the President of the United States, and the press.