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Stop U.S. Complicity in Attacks on Civilians in Middle East

The CCR is charging US complicity in attacks on civilians in the disastrous ME conlict by rushing additional weapons to Israel in contravention of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), which requires that "weapons provided by the U.S. be used for a nation’s internal security or legitimate self-defense, and prohibits sales or deliveries if a nation fails to comply".

In its 40 year history, the Center for Constitutional Rights has been a leading advocate of human rights and international law in the U.S. and abroad. In the current conflict taking place in Lebanon, Palestine, and Israel, the absolute prohibition on attacks against civilians under international law is being violated by all parties. U.S. law, specifically the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), requires that weapons provided by the U.S. be used for a nation’s internal security or legitimate self-defense, and prohibits sales or deliveries if a nation fails to comply.

Israel is using U.S. supplied weapons to attack civilians and civilian infrastructure, not for purposes authorized under U.S. law. The current conflict has already killed hundreds of civilians and wounded more than 1,000 – nearly a third of whom are children – as well as destroyed billions of dollars worth of civilian infrastructure. Rather than stopping the supply of weapons to Israel, as required by law, the United States Government is reportedly rushing additional weapons to Israel – an unlawful act that will render the U.S. complicit in the death of innocent people.

Today we sent an official letter to President Bush and Secretary of State Rice calling on them to comply with the AECA and stop delivering weapons to Israel. Now we need your help to ensure Congress holds the Administration accountable. Please take action today!



Sincerely,


Bill Goodman, Legal Director, the Center for Constitutional Rights


To read our letter to President Bush regarding the AECA, click here.

posted by Annamarie at 7:27 PM