The U.S. invasion of Iraq ran counter to the well-tested and deeply-held Anabaptist convictions of nonviolence and peacemaking—acts of genuine love embodied by Christ. Starting an illegal war over the protests of most of the world was the opposite of acting justly, loving kindness, and walking humbly (Micah 6:8).

photo © Melissa Engle/MCC

And it’s clear the war has wrought disastrous consequences for millions of ordinary Iraqis, Americans, and others. It’s no wonder the call from peace communities since 2003 has been for a complete pullout of U.S. troops. This remains true. The United States must continue the withdrawal of all troops, bases, and operations in a manner that best supports peace and recovery in Iraq. But withdrawal alone is not enough.

The U.S. has a moral opportunity to help Iraqi society heal and gather momentum toward the same safety and prosperity it desires for itself. If requested and directed by Iraqis, the U.S. must offer its resources in a way that safeguards Iraqi values and choices as they respond to the formidable challenges facing their country:

• Deep wounds, fear, and anger between Iraq’s many ethnic and religious groups.
• The plight of uprooted families both in and outside Iraq.
• Unemployment and an economic capacity severely damaged by war and sanctions.
• A struggling and distrusted political system.
• Lack of access to basic needs such as education, health care, legal protection, water, electricity, and food.
• The growing belief among Iraqis that Iraq is not a viable place to seek a better future for their children.

This objective alone must determine U.S. policy towards Iraq for the next two decades. But it requires a policy shift away from seeking power over the politics, economics, and resources in the region. Experienced politicians would call that unrealistic. Is it? More than simply propping up a strong allied Iraqi government, safety and prosperity for the common people in Iraq is actually in the interest of the United States, as:

• More peaceful sectarian relations in Iraq will improve them elsewhere in the region.
• Prosperous citizens and a fair political system in Iraq will help win back social capital for the United States.
• The threat of terrorism will be greatly reduced when people no longer see U.S. actions linked to their suffering.

Anabaptist faith calls for acting out of genuine love and pursuing right relationships nonviolently. It means not only halting the potential for violence but also considering the hopes and needs of the ordinary people who suffer because of war. Making a long-term commitment to the well-being of the Iraqi people is not only the way of peace, it’s also good policy.