The following is an archived copy of a message sent to a Discussion List run by the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
Views expressed in this archived message are those of the author, not of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
[Main archive index/search] [List information] [Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq Homepage]
Dear Jiale and List, I agree with you that writing to a potentially hostile audience could be worthwhile. But no matter how skilful you write, the chances of getting through to military personnel is probably nil. By contrast, the propaganda the US is dumping on Iraqi military and civil servants has a blackmail effect: "Failing to do so will lead to grave personal consequences." This is meant to demoralize - not to persuade. The US propaganda is dumping on the Iraqi people via the airwaves is worth than useless, I'd think. For example: "UNSCR 1441 has clearly strengthened the cause of peace throughout the world. We can only hope that Saddam Hussein seizes the opportunity to begin the end of the isolation and suffering that his non-compliance with past UN resolutions has brought on the Iraqi people." - Such cynicism is merely contemptible: The Iraqi people know only too well who is responsible for their "isolation and suffering". As for posting to CASI itself: I myself find it encouraging to read posts about peace efforts or condemnations/corrections of war propaganda. It makes me feel I am not alone. (I don't get much support where I live.) Besides, not everyone on the list is necessarily anti-war or anti-sanctions, it seems. I just read a book about the Resistance in France during WWII. Mutual support was very important for morale. This may be true for CASI too. And remember, war proponents too are aware of its effect. They just choose to ignore it. : I also wonder if anyone know of any joint effort : between different religions to condemn the proposed : war (I just heard that the Pope is against it). [...] : Is anyone interested in discussing these things further? I am not religious either, and I don't know how effective (and sincere) condemnations of war by religious groups are. Merely condemning war on moral grounds may have little effect. But I know of some temporal (economic) measures to dampen the enthusiasm for war. If this has a chance of gaining momentum it could be very effective. There are several (small) groups trying to get this started. The theory is that the economy relies to two thirds (?) on consumer spending. So the majority can wield a lot of power, if it chooses to use it. Another way is appeal to image. The US is spending millions on PR efforts to win "hearts and minds" for their wars. A concerted email-blitz telling them (tactfully) that they are actually losing could help. But is it feasible? Can you get enough people to join? What existing activist groups would join in - or take up these ideas? Right now I am trying to find out. And I would like discuss this with anyone who is interested. in peace, Elga Sutter -------------Original Message------------- Date: Mon, 13 Jan 2003 21:51:21 -0800 (PST) From: Jiale Ye <yejiale@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [casi] cyber war To: casi-discuss@lists.casi.org.uk I find this piece of news very interesting and I wonder if anyone has thought of doing similar sort of thing ourselves e.g. writing to the forum frequented by the US army/navy/airforce or just anybody in the States /Britain telling them the hazards that will follow a war on Iraq? Of course it has to be done very skilfully in order not to be classified as spam. Sorry guys, but I always feel that there is not much use posting on this list - because the fact that I am on this list means that I have a certain level of knowledge of the situation and I don't need much convincing in order to appreciate the effect of the war. I also wonder if anyone know of any joint effort between different religions to condemn the proposed war (I just heard that the Pope is against it). I am not religious myself but I imagine they have quite an impact on public opinion (all the more so if it is joined in by different religious leaders). Is anyone taking any initiatives to facilitate this? Is anyone interested in discussing these things further? _______________________________________________ Sent via the discussion list of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq. To unsubscribe, visit http://lists.casi.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/casi-discuss To contact the list manager, email casi-discuss-admin@lists.casi.org.uk All postings are archived on CASI's website: http://www.casi.org.uk