SRRT Resolutions 2004: Resolution on the Occupation of Iraq

Text of 2004 SRRT resolution, adopted at ALA Annual Conference, supporting the withdrawal of troops from Iraq.

Resolution on the Occupation of Iraq

Adopted at 2004 Annual Conference

Whereas, the justification for the coalition invasion of Iraq have proven to be completely unfounded; and

Whereas, the war already has taken the lives of thousands of Iraqi soldiers, more than 10,000 Iraqi civilians, and hundreds of coalition forces; and

Whereas, these numbers will continue to mount as long as coalition forces remain in Iraq; and

Whereas, during the current occupation many of Iraq's cultural treasures, including libraries, archives, manuscripts, and artifacts, have been destroyed, lost, or stolen; and

Whereas, as long as coalition forces remain in Iraq the inevitable escalation of fighting threatens further destruction of Iraq's cultural heritage; and

Whereas, currently, the U.S. is spending 4.7 billion dollars per month for the occupation; and

Whereas, even a small fraction of these resources would be more than sufficient for rebuilding and greatly enhancing the libraries and educational institutions of both Iraq and the United States;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association calls for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal from Iraq of all U.S. military forces, intelligence personnel, and contractors.