Anxious Kurds Gather About War in Iraq Jan. 5 in Washington

Anxious Kurds Gather About War in Iraq; Congressman Filner Will Honor Jan. 5 Gathering and Take Questions

To: Assignment and International desks

Daybook Editor Contact: Kani Xulam, 202-483-6444

News Advisory (59):

American Kurdish Information Network (AKIN) will host a town hall meeting for members of the Washington area Kurds and their friends to discuss the coming war and its repercussions for their loved ones in and around Iraqi Kurdistan.

The event is open to public.

WHO: Congressman Bob Filner (D-CA)

WHAT: Town Hall Meeting About the Coming War and the Kurds

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 5, 2003 at 2:30 PM

WHERE: Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights -- Conference Room (1367 Connecticut Avenue NW, right at Dupont Circle -- South Exit)

The war may bring about one good thing, the downfall of Saddam Hussein, but will it free the Kurds? If Kurds exercise that right -- the birthright of enslaved nations all over the world -- which Turkey is threatening to thwart, will the United States government, which calls Ankara a staunch ally, look the other way or do freedom's work and support the Kurds?

Why is this war about "Regime Change" and not about freedom? What will bring America security? How much tyranny can Washington accommodate? How much freedom will Washington see fit for the Kurds?

George Washington once said, "There can be no greater error than to expect or calculate, upon real favors from nation to nations." Can Kurds really rely on the United States? Wouldn't they be better off to put their trust in one that knew what it meant to expand the boundaries of freedom and liberty?

Benjamin Franklin once said, "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Why is the United States government threatening the Kurds with a walkout if they go for their essential liberty? Why is it asking the Kurdish leaders to go for temporary safety? Who is right? Franklin or Bush?

Come and find out the answers to these questions or ask your own.