April 2005

by Simona Sharoni

As the second anniversary of the war on Iraq approaches and the death toll of U.S troops tops 1500, many soldiers return to our communities. To end the war, we must listen to their war stories rather then rely solely on peace marches. This challenge requires that we step outside of our comfort zone and talk to people whose political views may differ from ours. We ought to expose ourselves to the reality of war as experienced by our friends, neighbors and coworkers. Those of us who have organized and participated in countless peace demonstrations over the years are well aware . . .

April 2005

by Simona Sharoni

Following the publication of my article "To End the War, Listen to Soldiers' Stories," which is reprinted here, I was invited to mark the second anniversary of the war in Iraq in Fayetteville, NC. Fayetteville is the closest community to Fort Bragg, the largest military base in the United States. Fayetteville has earned the nicknames of Fatalville and Fayettenam. Unusual and not-sounusual features of the town include gross income inequalities, an extraordinarily high incidence of venereal disease, miles and miles of strip malls, and a history of racial violence. I . . .