It is important in the current policy debate to promote responses to the very real dangers of terrorism that present an alternative to a unilateral foreign policy that relies primarily on military force. It is more important now than ever to address the root causes of terrorism and violent conflict to prevent future acts of terrorism from occurring. The security of the American people is too important not to address in the post-September 11 world, but it must be addressed in a smart way. Women’s Action for New Direction (WAND) is promoting a campaign to develop alternative solutions for threats to peace and security. The United States has a responsibility to utilize all diplomatic possibilities before resorting to force.

The women of WAND urge you to request that your Representative co-sponsor the Sensible, Multilateral American Response to Terrorism Security Platform for the 21st Century (SMART), which provides a more effective national strategy focused on nonproliferation, conflict prevention, international diplomacy, and multilateralism.

SMART Security means:

• Working with the U.N. and NATO to root out terrorist networks and cut off funding to these organizations;
• Strengthening intelligence and law enforcement while respecting human and civil rights;
• Pursuing diplomacy, enhanced inspection regimes, and regional security arrangements to reduce the proliferation of nuclear weapons;
• Ceasing the sale and transfer of weapons to regimes involved in human rights abuses and to regions of conflict;
• Increasing development aid and debt relief for the world’s poorest countries;
• Reducing dependence on foreign oil by promoting long-term energy security through greater investment in sustainable and renewable alternatives; and
• Supporting civil society programs as a critical component in the prevention and resolution of violent conflict.

The Smart Resolution works to:

1. Prevent future acts of terrorism by strengthening international institutions and respect for the rule of law;
2. Reduce the threat and stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction and reduce the proliferation of conventional weapons;
3. Address root causes of terrorism and violent conflict;
4. Shift the U.S. budget priorities to more effectively meet the security needs of the United States; and
5. Pursue to the fullest extent alternatives to war.

To learn more about the SMART Resolution (HR 158) Sensible, Multilateral American Response to Terrorism (SMART) Security Platform and all the efforts and activities of the Women’s Action for New Direction please visit: www.wand.org/wand_home.htm.

TAKE ACTION!
Urge your representative to co-sponsor House Resolution 158, SMART Security or Sensible, Multilateral American Response to Terrorism. During the recess or in the session starting November 13th, urge your representative to get on board.

To find the co-sponsors of the resolution, log onto http://thomas.loc.gov and search for HR 158.