Write! Call! Senators Listen (Pt 1)
By Paul S. Sarbanes, United States Senator, Sep 30, 2002

Dear Mr. Hersh:

Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns about possible United States military action against Iraq. I appreciate your bringing to my attention information regarding this matter.

In the event that you did not see my recent interview on Maryland Public Television in which the subject of Iraq was a central issue, I thought it would be helpful to outline the concerns I raised at that time.

First, it is my view that we must not divert our attention from Afghanistan until the military situation has been resolved and, further, until we have met the commitments we have undertaken to the reconstruction of a stable civil society, democratic political institutions, and a viable economy in Afghanistan.

Second, the United States lacks the necessary support from countries in the region and in Europe, many of which have been outspoken in their opposition to a preemptive attack on Iraq.

Third, the policy of containment, astutely designed and carried out through many administrations for over half a century, effectively deterred the former Soviet Union from using its tremendous arsenal of weapons of mass destruction. We would do well to consider this experience in evaluating our approach to the Iraqi threat.

I appreciate hearing of your concerns about this complex matter, which will have serious consequences for our country, for the region, and the world for a long time to come. Please do not hesitate to contact me about any other issues of importance to you.
With best regards,
Sincerely,

Paul Sarbanes
United States Senator

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