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AAI Urges White House to Heed National Opposition to War on Iraq

Posted on Friday October 25, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C. —The Arab American Institute (AAI) today called on the Bush Administration to recognize the importance of the broad domestic and international opposition to military action against Iraq. In advance of the “National Rally and March on Washington” on Saturday, October 26, AAI reminded the White House that it has not established a clear threat from Iraq against the United States.

“The American people and the members of the Security Council have indicated that there should be an international consensus about the use of force, and the priority concern should now be directed at restoring unfettered access for the inspectors. Unfortunately, there seems to be a contradiction between U.S. signals to Iraq for its alleged weapons of mass destruction program and the U.S. response to North Korea’s acknowledged possession of a nuclear device,” noted James Zogby, President of AAI.

The national mobilization is being coordinated by the international A.N.S.W.E.R. coalition and is supported by more than 40 organizations ranging from student organizations to church groups. The march will assemble at the Constitution Gardens and march to the White House. Another demonstration in San Francisco has also been organized under the theme “Stop the War on Iraq Before It Starts.” AAI previously has called on Iraq to fully comply with all relevant UN resolutions and asked the Administration to work through the Security Council on building an international policy towards Iraq.

Founded in 1985, the Arab American Institute (AAI) is a nonprofit organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent. AAI provides policy, research and public affairs services to support a broad range of community activities.