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First off, thanks to the Think Out Loud folks for having this discussion and for inviting me to take part.  And thanks also to Ahmed Abraibesh and Paul Sullivan.  Here are some links to several discussions of this topic that I believe are helpful in thinking this through.  I mentioned only the Gilbert Achcar interview which, in light of the events of the last several days, is much less persuasive.  The others are by Richard Falk and Marjorie Cohn.  Had there been time, I think it would have been useful to explore the likely motivations for the US/French/British governments.  Even if we accept that a part of that motivation was genuinely humanitarian, the consequences for the Libyan people will depend very much of what other goals are likely in play.

http://www.zcommunications.org/gaddafi-moral-interventionism-libya-and-the-arab-revolutionary-moment-by-richard-falk

http://www.zcommunications.org/stop-bombing-libya-by-marjorie-cohn

http://www.zcommunications.org/libyan-developments-by-gilbert-achcar

If folks want to get in touch with the Portland Peaceful Response Coalition, or see a list of the over sixty local organizations involved in last Saturday's peace rally and march, please visit www.pprc-news.org

Again, thanks to OPB and the other guests.  Let us all hope for the best for our brothers and sisters in Libya and throughout the Middle East.  But let's do more than hope by getting engaged with these issues, and by contacting our elected officials to share our views and concerns. 

Will Seaman
Portland Peaceful Response Coalition
www.pprc-news.org



posted 2 years, 2 months ago
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Six years of the Iraq war and eight years of post-2001 local opposition to war, first in Afghanistan, then in Iraq AND Afghanistan.  This coming week sees the culmination of the campaign to stop the deployment of the Oregon National Guard to Iraq and Afghanistan, and an action in Salem on Sunday, March 15th, marking the anniversary of the Iraq war. 

How 'bout a show about the peace movement under the new Obama Administration?

More information?  Check the websites www.pprc-news.org and www.pjw.info

And while you're at it, have a look at Robert McChesney's lecture at the University of Portland on Feb. 26th, posted at www.pdxjustice.org ... "The Life and Death Struggle for Journalism and Self-Governmnet."

posted 4 years, 3 months ago
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