Win Without War Panel Discussion

IRAN IN THE CROSSHAIRS?

Panel and Discussion with Tom Andrews and Retired Brigadier General John Johns, as part of the Win Without War nationwide "General's Tour"

Wednesday
August 20 at 7PM
First Universalist Church, 150 South Clinton Avenue

Tom Andrews & General John Johns will address current US policy toward Iran, based on their years of experience within Iran and the Middle East. Their position is that without a reversal in policy, there can be no progress in resolving issues with Iran or in achieving stability in Iraq and the Middle East.

At 5 PM, prior to the Panel, there will be an opportunity for to meet with Tom and General Johns in an informal context at the AntiWar Crisis Storefront, to discuss effective means of Anti-war Activism.

This looks to be an interesting event. Tom Moore, a local activist who has been to both Iran and Iraq since the beginning of the war, will also sit on the Panel. I have gone out of my way to invite people to the left and to the right of where I understand these speakers to be, so as to generate an interesting, and lively exchange. I think we all benefit from hearing ideas presented in a context of diversity.

Background: Win without War is supported by a huge coalition of organizations including NGOs, Churches, Tikkun, NAACP, NOW. Tom Andrews has opposed the war on Iraq from before it was actually initiated, and has been involved in numerous progressive initiatives, organizing support for Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League of Democracy of Burma, providing strategic support for human rights and labor rights organizations, and representing Maine's First district in Congress, where Ralph Nader called him a "the most principled politician I have met'. Tom now devotes himself full time to Win Without War.

General Johns retired from the military in 1978, but has continued to serve the Department of Defense in a variety of capacities, mostly teaching positions. He has undergraduate degrees from military programs, Masters Degrees in Psychology and International Relations, and a PHD in Sociology, and has taught Strategic Decision Making and Ethics for many years. I expect it will be interesting to hear his remarks regarding the war in Iraq and current threats against Iran from both a strategic and an ethical perspective.