News

This page contains news and feedback from around the world. Entries are under the headings Hope and Concern. Date/Time format is yyyymmdd dy hhmm with time shown in 24 hour format as Central Time. Some entries show +/- to indicate there are varied perspectives on a particular point. Refresh your browser to view the latest updates. To contribute content to this page, visit our Feedback and Contact form. [Feedback]

Signs for Hope [Top]

Our goal is to provide news stories that show signs of hope for reduced suffering and the prompt delivery of promised humanitarian aid to for the region. Through doing this, we hope to help encourage more productive and optimistic dialogs toward peace.

1. White House: Humanitarian Aid to Iraq - Now Top Priority. "Our enemy in this war is the Iraqi regime, not the people who have suffered under it. As we bring justice to a dictator, we have started bringing large amounts of humanitarian aid in to an oppressed land. The United Sates and our Coalition partners are committed to making sure that the Iraqi citizens who have suffered under a brutal tyrant have the food and medicine they need as soon as possible. The Iraqi people will soon see the compassion of the American people and other nations around the world that care deeply about the human condition inside that country. The people of Iraq deserve to stand on their feet as free men and women -- the citizens of a free country." (posted: 20030328fr1916, source: White House News Room communication, received 20030328fr1817)

2. High Collateral Damage Targets Not Bombed. American commanders have avoided bombing as many as three dozen high-priority Iraqi targets for fear of civilian casualties. Donald Rumsfeld stated these targets are being avoided because, ??They have put their communications systems in downtown Baghdad, and commingled civil action, civil activities with military activities. And they have done it in very close proximity to large numbers of innocent men, women and children.?? In the U.S., military bases are commonly located away from civilian areas. (posted: 20030328fr1801, source: 20030324mo, New York Times, Eric Schmitt, original text online)

3. Aid Arrives. Approximately 200 tons of humanitarian aid has arrived today in Umm Qasar. The shipment was delayed one day due to concern about mines. (20030328fr0715, source CNN broadcast)

4. Compassion and Care. "We are treating Iraqi prisoners of war according the highest standards of law and decency. Coalition doctors are working to save the lives of  the wounded, including Iraqi soldiers. One of our servicemen said this about the injured Iraqis he treated: 'We can't blame them for the mistreatment their government is doing to our soldiers. I'm all for treating them. That's what we do. That's our job.'" - George W. Bush addressing families and military personnel at MacDill Air Force Base (20030327th0520, source: Official White House Transcript, received 20030326we1831)

5. Humanitarian Aid Arrives. "Today we started bringing humanitarian aid in large amounts to an oppressed land." - George W. Bush addressing families and military personnel at MacDill Air Force Base (20030327th0520, source: Official White House Transcript, received 20030326we1831)

6. Aid to Iraq Receives Global Media Attention. The media has shifted their focus and begun to address the need for humanitarian aid and relief to Iraq. Numerous news agencies around the world are now covering this issue in response to the announcement of General Franks stating the high priority of delivering humanitarian aid to the area. (posted 20030326we0131, source: ATI)

7. General Franks Reiterates the Presidential Mandate for Immediate Humanitarian Aid and Relief. At 'Camp As Sayliyah' in Qatar, General Franks delivered an urgent briefing and stated the following critical goals of the U.S. presence in the region:
   * To end sanctions and to immediately deliver humanitarian support to the displaced and to many needy Iraqi citizens.
   * To secure Iraq's oil fields and resources, which belong to the Iraqi people.
   * To help the Iraqi people create conditions for a transition to a representative self-government.
   (20030326we0145, sources: Boston Globe, CBS Channel 2 New York, CBS KPIX Channel 5 San Francisco, Austin American Statesman, Redding.com, MSNBC)

8. Army Chaplain Says God Doesn't Choose Sides. In a radio interview that was broadcast via satellite to North America on Christian radio, a U.S. Army Chaplain serving in Iraq stated that God doesn't choose sides and that we shouldn't pray to win a war, but to do God's will "this day." Referring to PSYOPS (battlefield negotiations indented to reduce casualties of war) the Chaplain stated that soldiers should pray that God will give them the courage to take love and compassion out into the battlefield. Click here for photos of U.S. military showing compassion in times of crisis. (20030325tu1904, source: KNWS Life Radio, AP Network News affiliate)

9. CENTCOM Briefing. A media update from the U.S. Military Central Command in Doha, Qatar, emphasized that the greatest degree of precision possible is being used in the present conflict. Some missiles being used can hit a target within 36 inches of accuracy even when dropped from over 20,000 feet in the air. Every measure possible is being taken to minimize civilian casualties. Civilians are being instructed what to do to remain safe. E-mail, phone calls, radio broadcasts, leafleting, and dialog continues to be directed toward Iraqi soldiers to let them know what they can do to accept peace and ensure their safety. Iraqi soldiers are being well cared for. Embedded reporters are on location at every critical area of the conflict to provide accurate ongoing reporting. (20030325tu0852, source: NBC news broadcast, and previous news reports)

10. Humane Treatment of POWs on Both Sides. Tamara Al Rifa? of the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) reports positive dialog with both sides regarding humane treatment of POWs. The ICRC reports that they now have daily access to POWs on both sides and that they are doing well. The ICRC believes that openness can continue. (20030325tu0852, source: NBC news broadcast)

11. Reduction in Damage to Infrastructure. It was reported today that the general bombing runs on Iraq will be reduced, and strategic military sites will be targeted. (20030325tu0800, source: CNN news broadcast)

12. Humane Treatment of Soldiers. Regarding the captured U.S. soldiers, President George W. Bush stated, "I do know that we expect them to be treated humanely, just like we'll treat any prisoners of theirs that we capture humanely. I think it's an interesting contrast that a lot of their soldiers welcome American troops, they're surrendering gleefully, happily. And they'll be treated well." (20030323su1200, source: official White House release of remarks by the President, link to full text of original source material) Click here to view photos of humane treatment of soldiers.

13. Plans For Humanitarian Aid Announced. A recent news report from Reuters stated: "U.S. food aid to Iraq is being accelerated after private relief organizations and some lawmakers criticized the Bush administration for not doing enough to prevent a humanitarian crisis if war breaks out. Congressional and U.S. agriculture industry sources told Reuters on Tuesday that grain would be withdrawn from a government-owned emergency reserve so that American-grown wheat and rice could be donated to the Iraqis. A U.S. government source said Iraq would be offered hard red winter wheat, the type the country used to buy from the United States. The U.S. donations would represent a reversal from less than a month ago, when U.S. Agency for International Development administrator Andrew Natsios told Reuters he did not envision using the grain reserve for Iraq humanitarian relief. The food aid would also come soon after U.S. agriculture groups lobbied the Bush administration to ship American-grown commodities, such as rice, to Iraq. Even U.S. poultry producers weighed in on Tuesday, calling on the U.S. Agriculture Department to make chicken part of a food aid package for Iraq." Click here for the complete story. (posted 20030324mo1129, source: Reuters via ReliefWeb)

14. Thousands Choose Peace. Over 8,000 more Iraqi soldiers have chosen peace and are refusing to fight. (20030323su1718, source: ATI)

15. Safe Havens. "U.S. military and intelligence officers in recent days have communicated with some Iraqi commanders and have secretly designated buildings in the capital for defectors to occupy, promising they will not be targeted by U.S. air strikes, senior U.S. officials said yesterday." (20030322sa2203, source: MSNBC website, link to story)

16. Prayer. Hundreds of Christians and Muslims have been praying together in Baghdad, asking God for peace. (20030322sa2050, source: TV5, France)

17. Limited Conflict. "There's been absolutely no resistance (conflict and fighting)." - John Roberts, traveling with US MC First Marine Division in Southern Iraq. (20030321fr1407, source: CBS News, live)

18. Hopeful Feedback. "Don't worry. I'm really glad to have Sergeant Todd as my boss. I'll be home pretty soon. Pray for me and be strong." - Trinity McLean, U.S. soldier in the 3rd Infantry Division now in Iraq. (20030321fr0953, source: NBC news, live)

19. Pleasant Exchanges. "Everything is cool. Don't worry about us. Don't be worried. People (the Iraqi soldiers) have been pretty pleasant. They want to get this over with just like we do." - Sergeant Todd of the 3rd Infantry Division now in Iraq. (20030321fr0948, source: NBC news, live) Click here to see the photo journal of how well things are going.

20. Kuwait Update. In Kuwait, people are playing Cricket in the streets. There were no sirens in the past 7 hours. (20030321fr0832, source: ABC news)

21. Kindness on the Battlefield? Yes! Over 130 Iraqi soldiers have surrendered and declared they are not interested in fighting war. The Marines are giving them water, treating them well, reassuring them, and caring for their needs. (20030320th0700, source: KCRG 9, ABC affiliate) Click here to see the photo journal.

22. Baghdad Update. Central Baghdad. There is traffic on the street. There is no bombing. (20030320th2359, source: ABC news)

23. Voices of Solidarity. "If we allow the Iraqi's to run their country, it will go well - they know it best."- Denis Halliday, Former Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations. (20030320th2345, source ABC news)

24. Kuwait. "People are feeling good. Life is going on as usual. The streets are a little empty, but that is usual for a weekend." - Spokesperson for Kuwait (20030320th2245, source: BBC World News, via Iowa Public Television).

25. Baghdad Update. On-site cameras show that there is currently no bombing in in Baghdad. (20030320th2100, source ABC news)

Points for Concern [Top]

Support for humanitarian aid to Iraq is unanimous in the U.S. and around the world. However, the world reaction to the use of bombs and missiles in conjunction with an Aid to Iraq program has been negative. This has created outbreaks of violence, demonstrations, and tension around the world.

1. Civilian Casualties Rise. More than 350 Iraqi civilians have been killed in the war, according to Iraq's health minister, Umid Midhat Mubarak, stating that, "women and children are being attacked." At the United Nations on Wednesday, Iraq's U.N. ambassador, Mohammed Aldouri, told the Security Council "the Iraqi people are being subjected to a criminal and barbaric American-British military invasion" that has led to "thousands of casualties, among them women, children and the elderly." In Baghdad, there were 251 victims in Wednesday's attacks (20030326we), including 36 fatalities. Total Iraqi civilian casualties -- including dead and wounded -- come to about 4,000. (source: CNN, 20030327th, link to original text, additional story at optonline.net). Such high numbers of civilian casualties have resulted in world-wide anguish and protest raising the following points for concern: (1) War Crimes Concern. A group of legal specialists in the U.S. sternly warned President Bush and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld that they may be tried for committing war crimes against innocent civilians. (source: globalpolicy.org, link to original text) (2) Human Rights Abuse Investigation. Amnesty International is demanding an investigation into the high number of civilian deaths. (source: 20030326we Associated Press, link to original text) (3) Growing Resentment. The people of Iraq are expressing a growing resentment about  the death of their people and the destruction of their homes, neighborhoods, and communities. They are not feeling liberated. (source: San Francisco Chronicle, 20030326we, link to original text) (this entry posted: 20030328fr1836)

2. Human Shields. U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld expressed concern about Iraq?s use of ??human shields?? at various military targets. He said the tactic had prevented U.S.-led air attacks from cutting off the ability of President Saddam Hussein?s regime to broadcast over state-run television and radio. ??They have put their communications systems in downtown Baghdad, and commingled civil action, civil activities with military activities. And they have done it in very close proximity to large numbers of innocent men, women and children.?? In the U.S., military bases are commonly located away from civilian areas. (posted: 20030328fr1801, source: 20030324mo, New York Times, Eric Schmitt)

3. Liberation Unclear. General Wayne Downing expressed concern that the Iraqi people are viewing us as invaders and conquerors rather than liberators. (20030328fr0720, source: KWWL 7, NBC affiliate)

4. Protesters Shut-Down San Francisco - Over 2000 Arrested. Global concern continues to rise without ceasing as activists world-wide express anguish over the U.S. military involvement in Iraq. Over 2000 people have been arrested in San Francisco as activists fill the streets. (20030324mo2006, source: Indy Media San Francisco)

5. International Disputes. Arguments have already started in the European Union about how a post-war Iraq will be run and rebuilt. French President Jacques Chirac stated, "France will not accept a resolution tending to legitimize the military intervention and giving the American and English belligerents powers over the administration of Iraq." Germany, France and Belgium said they were planning to hold a summit on European defense next month to 'accelerate' the process of forging a common security policy. Britain was not invited. (20030324mo1204, source: Agence France-Presse report, link to story online)

6. Still Waiting for Humanitarian Relief. "Fueling the simmering animosity among Iraqis here is the lack of physical aid and comfort, promised by the United States before the conflict began." (posted: 20030324mo1156, source: 20030322sa ABC news report by John Donvan in Safwan, Iraq.)

7. Baghdad Update. Hundreds of missiles have been launched in an attack on the city of Baghdad. A damage assessment will be provided when details are available. (20030323su1717, source: ATI)

8. Unbalanced Domestic News Coverage. The unbalanced domestic news coverage is a concern to many in the U.S. and around the world. (20030323su1634, source: ATI)

9. Use of U.S. Flag Questioned. Marines had placed the U.S. Flag above the Iraqi flag in one location. Some people interpreted this action as making the U.S. look like conquerors. The intension was likely to show covering and defense rather than conquering. (20030322sa2054, source: TV5, France)

10. Memorial - Honoring the Dead. French television is providing lengthy televised memorial services to honor the U.S. soldiers who lost their lives in the conflict. They are also including interviews with family members. (20030322sa2052, source: TV5, France)

11. France. This is "a real propaganda war." French television. (20030322sa2046, source: TV5, France)

12. Protests - New York City. 125,000 people marching on the streets expressing concern about the use of bombs and missiles in conjunction with an Aid to Iraq program. (20030322sa2038, CBS news, 5 seconds of airtime)

13. World Response. Over 140 countries still skeptical about use of missiles and bombs as part of an Aid to Iraq program. (20030322sa2025)

14. New York City. The streets of New York City are filled with people who are expressing disappointment with the aspects of the Aid to Iraq program that involve military action. (20030322sa1400, source: NBC offered 5 seconds of coverage for this event)

15. Protests - World Protest Update. Recently, some individuals (over 11 million) have expressed a less than enthusiastic response to the military action aspect of the Aid to Iraq campaign. Athens, Greece (100,000 - 200,000 in the streets); Berlin, Germany (20,000 in the streets); London, U.K. (over 1 million people in the streets), Melbourne, Australia (150,000 in the streets); Rome, Italy (over 1.5 million people in the streets), San Francisco, California (over 200,000 in the streets), Sydney, Australia (10,000 in the streets); New York City, USA (500,000 on Feb 15 and 250,000 anticipated in the streets on 20030322sa). (20030320th, source http://www.commondreams.org and CCMEP.) Click here to see the photo journal. There are only 45 world countries (out of 193) showing support for the Aid to Iraq campaign at this time.

16. Boycott Brand America. Adbusters of Canada has announced an initiative called "Boycott Brand America." In the first 12 hours over 25,000 people from around the world have joined the initiative. It is believed that this initiative is a response to aggressive and violent aspects of the Aid to Iraq program. This initiative also seems to be a voice of decent with regard to the 'Buy America Claus' that has been proposed by some U.S. political leadership (corporations?) as a requirement for support to Iraq. Click here to learn more about the boycott or Click here to visit the Adbusters website. (20030321fr2318, source: Adbusters / Culture Jammer e-mail alert and website).

17. 1800 Arrested. Over 1800 people have been arrested in protests that erupted in San Francisco, Chicago, and various locations in the U.S. (20030321fr0732, source: ABC news)

18. Tragedy. "This is a tragedy ... We've denied the Iraqis their rights. There is great concern that the U.S. is getting into something where it doesn't belong. We are getting into something we don't understand. We are going to have starvation on our hands unless the U.S. Military knows how to feed 23 million people. This is a major tasks. Saddam Hussein never allowed that (starving Iraqi citizens) in 30 years." - Denis Halliday, Former Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations. (20030320th2345, source ABC)

19. Goals. Initial U.S. goals for reconstruction were announced: Iraqi currency replaced, 40% of people will have reliable power within 6 months, building of hospitals, building of schools, 'Anti-Abortion Clause' (+/- depending on your view of this issue), 'Buy American Clause' (+/- depending on your nationality and economic viewpoints), other infrastructure promised. The 'Anti-abortion clause' and 'Buy American clause' have some people concerned that the U.S. is introducing conditional statements to what was previously considered and unconditional offer of humanitarian aid. (20030320th2238, source BBC World News, via Iowa Public Television).

20. Drive-By Shouting. "Communists!" - people shouting from cars at war protesters in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (20030320th2210, source: KWWL 7, NBC affiliate)

21. View from the Right. "You?ve got the vegetarians out there with the peaceniks with the green groups . . . These people have an agenda. They are a coalition of mostly leftist organizations." - Remarks by U.S. Rep. Steve King, an Odebolt Republican who represents the 5th congressional district in Western Iowa, allege that Iraq is funding peaceniks. King made the remarks to a reporter from the Carroll Times Herald and told the newspaper he could prove that Middle Eastern money is funding war protests. (20030320th2151, source: e-mail update from state government representative)

22. Wrong. "This war is wrong; it violates - the Constitution and international law." Congressman Dennis Kucinich

23. Invasion. "This is an invasion." - Ted Koppel (20030320th2118, source: ABC news, live)

24. On the Street. "Needs improvement." - person on the street when asked how the humanitarian aid program is going. (20030320th~1920)

25. On the Street. "Miserable" - person on the street when asked how the humanitarian aid program is going. (20030320th~1915)

26. Iowa City Protest. "What do we want? . . . U.S. Out . . . When do we want it? . . . Now!" - Crowd of protesters in the streets of Iowa City, Iowa. (20030320th~1900) Photos: Click here to view photos of this event. Audio: Right click here (or control click for Apple users) to download a 3.87 MP3 audio file of on-the-street interviews (Iowa City, Iowa) with people who are less than enthusiastic about the Aid to Iraq campaign at this time. At 490 KB/Sec, the download will take about 8 seconds. We didn't get a chance to meet everyone in this crowd of protestors, but we assumed they were less than enthusiastic about the Aid to Iraq campaign at this time. (20030320th)

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