The Committee for the Liberation of Iraq, a new non-governmental organization, has been formed to advocate freedom and democracy in Iraq. A distinguished group of Americans who share a common view on the importance of liberating Iraq and building pluralistic institutions will serve on the Committee's Advisory Board. The Committee will meet with Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, at the White House later today to discuss Iraq policy.
Chaired by former Secretary of State George Shultz, Advisory Board members represent a diverse, bi-partisan coalition including former Senator Bob Kerrey, Teamsters President James Hoffa, Jr., retired General and former "Drug Czar" Barry McCaffrey and noted Middle East expert Dr. Bernard Lewis of Princeton University (complete list attached). The Committee was formed to promote regional peace, political freedom and international security through replacement of the Saddam Hussein regime with a democratic government that respects the rights of the Iraqi people and ceases to threaten the community of nations.
"The problem in Iraq is not just Saddam Hussein's weapons - it is Saddam Hussein's regime. The Iraqi people are the first victims of this tyranny," said CLI President Randy Scheunemann. "For too long, Iraqis have suffered from the regime's brutality, Saddam's criminal pursuit of weapons of mass destruction, and his drive for regional hegemony." Scheunemann concluded: "We believe it is time to confront the clear and present danger posed by Saddam Hussein's regime by liberating the Iraqi people."
Bruce Jackson, CLI Chairman, added. "The work of the Committee does not end with the disarmament of Iraq. We have to work to restore to the Iraqi people the freedom to make basic democratic choices. Freeing the Iraqi people and rebuilding the institutions of self-governance can only be accomplished with bi-partisan support and with the support and counsel of America's friends and allies in Europe and around the world."
The Committee for the Liberation of Iraq will engage in educational and advocacy efforts to mobilize domestic and international support for policies aimed at ending the aggression of Saddam Hussein and freeing the Iraqi people from tyranny. The Committee is committed to work beyond the liberation of Iraq to the reconstruction of its economy and the establishment of political pluralism, democratic institutions, and the rule of law.
Dr. Mahdi Al-Bassam, Iraq Liberation Action Committee
Dr. Barry Blechman, DFI International
Dr. Eliot Cohen, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
Thomas A. Dine, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
General Wayne Downing, U.S. Army (retired)
Rend Rahim Francke, Iraq Foundation
Honorable Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
Lt. General Buster Glosson, U.S. Air Force (retired)
James R. Hoffa, Jr., International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Howell Jackson, Professor of Law, Harvard Law School
Honorable Robert Kerrey, former U.S. Senator
Amb. Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, American Enterprise Institute
William Kristol, Weekly Standard
Dr. Bernard Lewis, Princeton University
General Barry McCaffrey, U.S. Army (retired)
Will Marshall, Progressive Policy Institute
Honorable Richard Perle, Former Assistant Secretary of Defense
Danielle Pletka, American Enterprise Institute
Richard Shultz, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
Honorable Steve Solarz, former Member of Congress
Ruth Wedgwood, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
Leon Wieseltier, The New Republic
Chris Williams, Johnston and Associates
Honorable James Woolsey, former Director of Central Intelligence
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