Potluck with screening and discussion of film 'Rethink Afghanistan' September 13, 2009

Focus on the Next Endless War

Among many pockets of opposition to the war in Iraq, measured relief that our country's military is beginning to exit has been countered by the frustration of watching President Obama escalate our involvement in Afghanistan. U.S. troop levels are projected at 68,000 by the end of this year, and commanders are expected to ask for even more for 2010.

Obama seems willing to comply, as indicated by his speech in August describing the Afghanistan conflict as "...(not) a war of choice but a war of necessity," and invoking Al Qaeda, the Taliban and "the defense of our people." As far as we know, Obama did not go into the killing of Afghan civilians by U.S. troops and drone aircraft, and the potential effect on the creation of terrorists against whom we continue with this war.

Such subject matter has moreso become the realm of filmmaker Robert Greenwald, (Outfoxed, Iraq for Sale) who went to Afghanistan last year and has created a video series called "Rethink Afghanistan." The series, in six parts, makes the case against a U.S. war in Afghanistan based on such arguments as the dearth of potential results in past and present conflicts there; the cost; the spillover into Pakistan, and other possible consequences.

On Sunday, September 13, Peace Action of San Mateo County will present the first three parts - preceded by a potluck dinner and followed by a general discussion that will hopefully include our own group's possible next steps on the issue. The entire production is not yet available to show (though it is available online at www.bravenewfilms.org ), but the limited time we spend watching will allow more time to share our thoughts on the war and what we can do.

Feel free to go online and preview all or part of "Rethink Afghanistan," and then on September 13 at 5:30 PM bring a dish to share and watch with us.

Beck Hall is wheelchair accessible.

Free (bring a dish to share).

Official Website: http://www.sanmateopeaceaction.org