Founding Mothers Message on War Escalation in the Middle East
The Founding Mothers Movement exists as a women-led coalition to create a global society of Partnership and Peace. We therefore feel it is imperative to speak out against the Trump administration’s unconstitutional and illegal decision to bomb Iran without the consent of Congress and in violation of international law.
While the situation in the Middle East has long been contentious and violent, with justifiable grievances among all parties, continued escalation is no way to solve these conflicts. Rather, it is pouring gasoline on a fire that is rapidly spiraling out of control. Trump’s attack risks further escalation and more death, destruction, and trauma. His unilateral action could pull other nations into a regional or even world war. The Founding Mothers stand opposed to this escalation.
War does not solve problems, it creates them. War is an antiquated and barbaric mode of resolving conflict from an earlier time, based on the patriarchal maxim that “might makes right.” War is outdated, now that we have international tribunals to resolve conflict, tools for instantaneous communication, and the skills of diplomacy.
In the 21st Century, war is the recourse only of tyrants, dictators, theocrats, and oligarchs. In just two weeks, we’ve moved from Trump’s hideous military parade to NATO’s reignited infatuation with and promised investment in the Military Industrial Complex. The Founding Mothers staunchly oppose these machinations, which will surely bring more trauma and death to the children of Earth.
The lawless and corrupt Trump administration is not only violating the U.S. Constitution, they are waging war on the rule of law and international standards of decency. By bombing Iran, Trump is now on par with Putin, who invaded the sovereign nation of Ukraine. These men not only put their own nations at risk with their illegal warmongering, they put the whole world at risk.
More to the point, we will no longer tolerate primitive and immature tyrants commencing wars that impact our sisters around the world. War is particularly devastating for women and children. Rape and violence against women increase dramatically as a result of war, and mothers are left without fathers to help raise their children. In short, women are the ones who pick up the pieces from the carnage they have little say in preventing.
Statistics show that when women are part of the peace process, terms are mediated more fairly and the peace lasts longer. Why? Because women insist that the peace process involves more stakeholders, thereby rendering the outcome more acceptable to the people. Yet, women are rarely allowed to be part of the peace process. Only 19 women have won the Nobel Peace Prize, compared to 92 men. Only one woman has ever signed a final peace accord, Miriam Coronel-Ferrer of the Philippines.
We, the Founding Mothers, represent a large coalition of women from around the world who stand for peace, justice, and equality. We condemn these acts of violence and – as set forth in the Founding Mothers Proclamation – we demand that world leaders stop this insanity.
There is another path forward: Bring women into the peace process NOW. Hear women’s voices NOW.
Allow Feminine Wisdom to model the myriad Pathways to Peace
