Media Alert

For Immediate Release Contact: Jessica Flores: 312-427-2533 (Evenings): 217-721-1427

August 21, 2008 FAX 312-427-4171

Iraqi & Iraq War Veteran Together – Give Eye Witness Accounts of War Creating the Way For Peace Through Dialogue

LA CROSSE, WI ─ The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) will launch a Speak for Peace Tour in Wisconsin that highlights the hidden side of the Iraq War, namely the displacement of Iraqi citizens, the experiences of Iraqis and US soldiers exposed to continual violence, and the prospects for a peaceful future in Iraq- told by those who have lived through it. The tour will help lay the foundation for building reconciliation between the American and Iraqi people. It will help people understand what happens during war both to military personnel and the Iraqi people. More than 4.5 million Iraqis have been displaced by the war and occupation; more than 2.5 million have left the country seeking safety… (AFSC, Spring/Summer 2008). Additionally, studies by Nobel Prize economist Joseph Stiglitz and Kennedy School of Government professor Linda Bilmes conclude that the war is costing over $1 trillion dollars when costs of caring for wounded Iraq vets, rebuilding the U.S. military and Iraq and increases in the budget of the Department of Defense are factored in. “Iraqis are demanding a complete withdrawal… they want the U.S. to continue a relationship with Iraqis using other means besides military violence. There is no real conflict between Iraqis and U.S. troops, they end up killing each other because they are placed into that situation by other means.” said Raed Jarrar, guest speaker and Iraqi political analyst, currently working as the Iraq consultant for the AFSC. Interviews Available Upon Request WHO: American Friends Service Committee WHAT: Speak for Peace Tour: U.S. Veterans & Iraqis Creating the Way Forward WHERE: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Room 337 Cartwright Center WHEN: Saturday, September 13, 2008, 7pm-9:00pm ### The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.