Peace Movement Works for Withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Iraq as Congressional Debate Heats Up

Interview with Leslie Cagan, national coordinator of United for Peace and Justice, conducted by Scott Harris

As the third anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq approaches, congressional debate over President Bush's divisive war is heating up. U.S. Rep. John Murtha's call for a speedy withdrawal of American forces from Iraq reflected rising opposition to the war, as seen in public opinion polls. The conservative Democrat from Pennsylvania's unexpectedly blunt criticism of the war emboldened several Democrats, such as House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, to publicly embrace Murtha's message.

The Pentagon's recent admission that it had paid to have pro-U.S. stories published in the Iraqi press, added to the sense that the White House optimism on the war was simply an extension of a foreign and domestic propaganda campaign. President Bush, reacting to increasing criticism of the war, delivered a speech at the U.S. Naval Academy, labeled a "Plan for Victory." But the address simply repeated many of the administration's old talking points while touting the progress made toward training Iraqi soldiers.

Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Leslie Cagan, national coordinator of United for Peace and Justice, the coalition that has had a major role in organizing anti-war protests and lobbying efforts. Cagan assesses the changing tone of congressional debate on the Iraq War and the task of the peace movement to advocate for a rapid withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Contact United for Peace and Justice by calling (212) 868-5545 or visit their website at www.unitedforpeace.org

LISTEN to this week's half-hour program of Between The Lines by clicking on one of the links below:
www.btlonline.org
*
"Between The Lines" is a half-hour syndicated radio news magazine that each week features a summary of under-reported news stories and interviews with activists and journalists who offer progressive perspectives on international, national and regional political, economic and social issues. Because "Between The Lines" is independent of all publications, media networks or political parties, we are able to bring a diversity of voices to the airwaves generally ignored or marginalized by the major media. For more information on this week's topics and to check out our text archive listing topics and guests presented in previous programs visit: www.btlonline.org
*
"Between the Lines," WPKN 89.5 FM's weekly radio news magazine can be heard Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. ET; Wednesdays at 8 a.m. ET and Saturdays at 2 p.m. ET (Wednesday's show airs at 7:30 a.m. ET during fundraising months of April and October).
*
For an email subscription of "Between The Lines Weekly Summary" which features a RealAudio link to the week's program for Between The Lines, send an email to btlsummary-subscribe-AT-lists.riseup.net
*
For an email subscription of "Between The Lines Q&A" which features a RealAudio link and weekly transcript to one of the interviews featured on Between The Lines, send an email to btlqa-subscribe-AT-lists.riseup.net
*
betweenthelines-AT-snet.net
*
www.squeakywheel.net/
*
Distributed by Squeaky Wheel Productions
©2005 Between The Lines. All Rights Reserved.