Iraqi Democracy

Petition sponsored by Students for Global Democracy (SGD), www.sfgd.org

THIS PETITION seeks to support Iraqi students in their efforts to help develop a democratic society in Iraq. With this petition, we declare our intention to aid students who seek to build an Iraqi society that respects its citizens' political and civil liberties.

WE BELIEVE that every human being is born with the natural rights of self-determination. As Americans, we enjoy these rights in our daily lives; Iraqis should too. Because today's Iraqi students will lead their nation tomorrow, the best way to ensure a long-term Iraqi democracy is to listen to the students. We must ensure that their efforts to promote democracy are encouraged, funded, and assisted as much as possible.

WE DO NOT TAKE a position on whether the invasion of Iraq was just. We the undersigned include both anti-war and pro-war students in our movement. Because the United States is committed to Iraq, however, we Americans owe a special debt to the Iraqi people, no matter one's position on the war itself. We must do whatever we can to help build democracy in Iraq.

WE BELIEVE that the upcoming elections in Iraq are vital to that nation's development and that succesful democracy there will help bring American soldiers home. Around the world, including in the United States, students have always played a key role in the development of democracy of their nations. Students' youthful idealism, energy, and desire for freedom make them a vital part of any project to expand democracy.

THEREFORE,

WE DECLARE our support and solidarity with all Iraqi students, and

WE CALL ON President Bush, members of Congress, the State Department, the US Agency for International Development, the National Endowment of Democracy, the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute, the United States Institute of Peace and other Non-Governmental Organizations to take the following steps:

(1) Fund and train efforts by Iraqi students, including activist organizations, newspapers, television and radio broadcasting, and Internet sites that seek to promote democracy and freedom in Iraq. Encourage the formation of a nationwide, student-led, pro-democracy network.

(2) Seek out Iraqi students and listen to their opinions on the successes and failures of U.S. policy in Iraq. We need advice and cooperation from Iraqi students to ensure the success of the upcoming elections.

(3) Encourage, train, and sponsor students to work at the polls on election day, to participate in Get Out The Vote (GOTV) campaigns, and to volunteer in every way possible in their country's electoral process.

WE URGE all Americans promoting democracy in Iraq to take special care when working with students to ensure their security.

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