Oakland, CA Resolution Opposing War with Iran

Type: Resolution

Status: Adopted on 10/25/07 Unanimous

Source File: http://clerkwebsvr1.oaklandnet.com/attachments/17677.pdf

Text:

A RESOLUTION OPPOSING WAR WITH IRAN

WHEREAS, The Bush Administration and many of its Congressional allies are engaging in a systematic campaign to convince the American people, and their representatives in Congress, that the Islamic Republic of Iran is a clear and present threat to the safety and security of the United States of America, members of our armed forces overseas, and our allies; and

WHEREAS, In a strategy eerily reminiscent of the lead-up to the Iraq War and Occupation, the Bush Administration and its Congressional allies are using unreliable sources, exaggerated threat assessments, the selective use of information, questionable accusations about Iran's nuclear program and its involvement in the violence in Iraq as centerpieces of their case to the American people for war against Iran; and

WHEREAS, A U.S. strike on Iran would be deadly for tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of Iranian men, women and children and would violate the United Nations Charter prohibition against preemptive military attack; and

WHEREAS, According to the estimates of many respectable Western intelligence agencies, Iran is years away from having a usable nuclear weapon, if indeed it is seeking to manufacture one at all; and

WHEREAS, Iran has not threatened to attack the United States and has not been convincingly shown to be likely to initiate such an attack; and

WHEREAS, Iran is a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and Iran's nuclear power program, including enriching uranium, is currently legal and in compliance with the NPT; and

WHEREAS, The widening of the United States war in the Middle East is almost certain to drive all segments of Iranian society—even those who are friendly to the United States-towards increased hostility and even hatred toward the United States, its military and its citizens, once again turning potential friends into enemies, sending a signal worldwide that the United States prefers violence to the peaceful resolution of disputes, and inviting retaliation against our troops in Iraq and elsewhere; and

WHEREAS, Comprehensive direct diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran would likely result in improved relations, and reduced tensions, between our nations; and

WHEREAS, Continued threats of violence and other aggressive actions exacerbate tensions with Iran and could obstruct efforts to cooperate with Iran over ending violence in Iraq, delaying the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq; and

WHEREAS, As the Iraq War has already cost the lives of more than 3,000 American soldiers, the serious maiming of over 26,000 American soldiers, and the death and maiming of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians, as well as the cost of more $400,000,000,000 of American tax dollars, embarking on yet another military campaign against a much stronger adversary can do nothing but further exacerbate international tensions, endanger the lives and livelihoods of millions of people both here and abroad, and do little or nothing to address the most serious problems facing the American people and humanity, generally;

now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Oakland City Council does hereby express its support for strong leadership in Congress to limit the war authority of the Bush Administration with respect to encouraging any military action against Iran; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Oakland City Council does hereby request that our California U.S. Senators Boxer and Feinstein provide leadership in the U.S. Senate in support of Congress re-establishing its Constitutional authority over U.S. foreign policy and war policy and funding; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Oakland City Council directs City Clerk Latonda Simmons to send copies of this Resolution to the President of the United States, our Congressional representatives, our California legislative representatives, the League of California Cities, and all local media outlets; and to arrange that a copy of this resolution be placed on the Oakland City website.