Truthout is an indispensable resource for activists, movement leaders and workers everywhere. Please make this work possible with a quick donation.
Nine years ago, almost to the day, I sat down to write a book that came to be titled, “War on Iraq: What Team Bush Doesn't Want You to Know.” In it, I argued that no weapons of mass destruction existed in Iraq, contrary to Bush administration claims. I argued that no connections to al Qaeda or September 11 existed in Iraq, contrary to Bush administration claims. I argued, in essence, that no reason to go to war there existed, and I was correct in that argument.
But a concerted media campaign in favor of invasion, aided and abetted by a blizzard of outright lies from Mr. Bush and his cronies, swept all arguments to the contrary aside in the rush to war and profit. Thousands of American soldiers were killed, tens of thousands more were wounded, millions of Iraqi civilians were slaughtered, maimed or displaced, and billions of dollars were poured into the sand, as well as into the pockets of very rich people you will never meet.
Nine years later, on the first Monday of this month, it was reported that five American soldiers were killed in Iraq, the worst one-day casualty total in two years. On the same day, gunmen and suicide bombers killed 21 people and wounded many more. In Tikrit, a suicide bomber killed 12 people. Over the three days before, a mosque and a hospital were both bombed, killing 19 people. Within a week, three more American troops were killed.
If history is any guide, I would consider the idea that there will be no meaningful withdrawal to be very close to a mortal lock. It is time – far past time – for this to stop.
Together we will continue to resist the war machine that is grinding our world, and our future, to dust. Please help Truthout with a tax-deductible donation today. Your support is critical to this effort and we can only keep this effort alive with your help.
Make a tax-deductible contribution to Truthout by clicking the button below:
Click here to donate.
(Truthout is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN: 20-0031641)
You can also call in your donation:
213.489.1971
Or donate by check, made payable to:
Truthout, P.O. Box 276414, Sacramento, CA 95827
(Please include your email address on your check.)
Yours,
William Rivers Pitt
An important fundraising appeal: 5 Days to raise $38,000
Truthout is one of only a few platforms for justice-oriented, grassroots journalism. Today, as political censorship from the right intensifies, we have no choice but to ask for your help.
We are fundraising right now to cover our basic operating expenses. If you can support Truthout with a one-time or monthly donation, you will make a significant impact on our work. Anything you can do makes a difference — we appreciate your support.