VFP Statement on U.S. Withdrawal of Afghanistan
Veterans For Peace has previously condemned the U.S. "forever wars" against "terror" and called for withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, Iraq and other places in the world. We unequivocally believe that war is not the answer to any problem and that there is no military solution in Afghanistan.
The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan was shameful and poorly executed. We have left too many behind. It was only after veteran and media outcry over leaving dedicated translators and their families, people who risked their lives for us that the U.S. decided, too late, to include them in our withdrawal. Many Afghans have been blocked by callous immigration policy and "Muslim Bans" from seeking safety in the United States, from the destabilization in Afghanistan that the U.S. created. Caring for refugees and civilians fleeing from conflict is basic decency, and the United States fails to act with the urgency required to protect people. Casual disregard for Afghan lives continues on all levels.
Afghanistan is yet another example of U.S. military ineptness. Name it and it was wrong....Korea, Viet Nam, Afghanistan, Iraq and a host of other military deployments in Latin and South America. There are other instruments of national power that can be used to achieve reasonable national objectives than the U.S. military. Will our national leaders ever learn this lesson?
As veterans who have served in these wars and past wars, we are enraged by leaders that lie to us and lack the moral courage to act even when there is proof. We demand accountability in real and tangible ways. The pandering and posturing of so many politicians today is infuriating. Both parties are to blame for this and a militaristic culture that places profit above all else.
We must see a shift towards a future that holds the military and our government officials accountable. We must reduce the military budget and reallocate those funds towards social programs that prioritize meeting people's needs and to support the masses of refugees that seek safety for their families.
Shut Down Creech!
Sept 26-Oct 2nd
Shut Down Creech is just a month away! Veterans For Peace and CODEPINK have been working hard to prepare for an exciting Peace Convergence in the beautiful Nevada desert. This is a growing campaign to stop U.S. Drone Terror by challenging the lies and misinformation, appealing to the consciences of the Creech drone base personnel and nonviolently shutting down Creech Killer Drone Base, a key drone control base in the U.S., for as long as we possibly can. We will peacefully take down one drone base at a time! WE NEED YOU! Click here to register now.
We are asking all participants to use the form to register for Creech. Even if you already pre-registered, we are asking that you use the final form to provide more detailed info for our organizing team. We have been working hard to develop programming for the week with opportunities for participants to lead activities as well. We will let all registered participants know the schedule before leaving, so you’ll know what to expect when coming out. Registering also helps our team with meal planning by giving us an early head count.
Members In Action
Robert Vivar, co-director of the Unified U.S. Deported Veterans Resource Center and member of the Steering Committee of Veterans For Peace Deported Veterans Advocacy Project, recounts the the honor of walking Mrs. Rocio Rebollar, Deported Mother of U.S. Army Intel Officer 1st Lieutenant Gibram Cruz to the U.S. border crossing for her re-admission to the U.S. Read more
Check out other highlights about VFP Members!
Source: National Priorities Project