Iraqi Research Center: www.iraqdata.com
The Iraq Research and Documentation Project: www.fas.harvard.edu/~irdp
Iraqi Speakers Bureau (experts & specialists database): www.iraqspeakers.org
National Gulf War Resources Center: www.ngwrc.org
Through Iraqi Eyes: The Gulf War Photographs: www.activistsreader.com

Public Agenda, in its March 27 update, said that a substantial majority of U.S. citizens support the decision to go to war in Iraq. ?“Yet in the weeks prior to the outbreak of war, opinion surveys showed significant concern about the risks of invasion, with much of the public seeming to hold both pro- and anti-war views simultaneously. Go to www.publicagenda.org or click "read more info" below for the full text of this announcement. Public Agenda?’s Special Edition on Terrorism is at www.publicagenda.org/specials/terrorism/terror_pubopinion6.htm

Public Rallies Behind Leaders on Iraq But Aware of Risks

Substantial majorities support the decision to go to war in Iraq, surveys found after hostilities began last week. Support for military action had been gaining over the past month, and the public historically rallies behind their leaders in a crisis, particularly when the crisis involves sending U.S. troops into battle. Yet in the weeks prior to the outbreak of war, opinion surveys showed significant concern about the risks of invasion, with much of the public seeming to hold both pro- and anti-war views simultaneously. Polling in the last few days suggests that the majority of Americans, despite their support for President Bush and the troops in the field, do not believe the administration has "clearly explained" the potential financial and human costs of the war.

Large majorities say the war is going well for the U.S. (84 percent in the latest Gallup poll), but there is some indication that concern over casualties is growing. The number who told the ABC/Washington Post poll that there would be "significant" casualties jumped from 37 percent on March 20 to 54 percent on March 23, while 82 percent said they anticipated a difficult battle for Baghdad. Eight in 10 also said they believe the U.S. is doing "all it reasonably can do" to avoid civilian casualties.

Yet there is some evidence that the public mood has shifted somewhat as people respond to events and intensive media coverage. The CBS/New York Times poll, which has been tracking the same group of respondents since the war began, found the number who say the war will be "quick and successful" has shifted from 62 percent down to 43 percent and back up to 56 percent in just over a week. It's certainly possible (and hardly surprising) that victories and defeats on live television may sharply affect short-term poll results, without affecting the public's underlying support for and concerns about the war.

Read the full article in our Special Edition on Terrorism at: www.publicagenda.org/specials/terrorism/terror_pubopinion6.htm

London-based OpenDemocracy.net presents arguments, reports and assessments of the core issues - from the difference between a regime change war and humanitarian intervention, to the politics of protest and questions of international criminal justice. Visitors to the site can get involved in an ongoing discussion. Click on "read more info" below for a sample listing of posts. www.opendemocracy.net

Analysis at OpenDemocracy.net

Iraq: Analysis, Argument, Voices

Analysis

A LONG OR A SHORT WAR?
After eight days of war, which of its five initial scenarios are still standing?
And is the unthinkable - a US defeat - still out of the question? PAUL ROGERS
gives his verdict.

**Paul Rogers' essential analysis of the war will be twice weekly for the
duration of the conflict**

REBUILDING IRAQ - US-UK SPLIT
Will US-UK military cooperation in Iraq be matched by joint humanitarian efforts
post-Saddam? As George W. Bush and Tony Blair meet, ARTHUR HELTON and GIL
LOESCHER reveal different agendas at work.

---
Argument

IRAQ: A WAR LIKE NO OTHER
This is a war for US power not human rights and democracy. All the more reason
to defend the principle of humanitarian intervention, says MARY KALDOR.

THE TRUE COURSE
PETER HAIN, a British government minister, on why he believes firmly that
destroying the Saddam regime is legitimate.

THE WAR IS RIGHT
The long years of Saddam's genocidal rule are evidence enough that the war is
just, says Member of the European Parliament EMMA NICHOLSON.

THE CHOICE FOR PROTESTORS: ANTI-WAR OR PEACE?
War reshapes the ground of argument. Being 'anti' is no longer enough. MARTIN
SHAW challenges.

BEYOND PROTEST?
The vibrant articulacy of anti-war protest carries its own lesson: democracy is
attitude not opinion, inherently plural, conversation not weapon of power, says
ROSEMARY BECHLER.

---
Voices & Faces

FACES OF IRAQ
Photo essay by Michele Stallo.

I AM BLIND FROM CRYING: IN THE KURDISTAN MOUNTAINS
Kurds are haunted by bitter memories, hopeful of freedom, still in flight.
Around Sulaimaniya, WENDELL STEAVENSON meets eternal survivors.

THE NORTHERN IRAQI KALEIDOSCOPE
AYUB SHEIK NURI, a native of Halabja, has been guiding journalists in northern
Iraq for years. His diary presents an illuminating picture of a complex,
many-sided battle zone.

DEMOCRACY IN THE ARAB WORLD: THE CASE OF KUWAIT
On the ground in Kuwait, JENS MUNCH cautions against optimism over Iraq.

THE DEATH OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
SUSAN GRIFFIN, a voice from America.

In its March 27 update, Public Agenda said that the public both accepts the right to protest and does not consider dissent unpatriotic, at least up to a point. A majority of U.S. citizens see protests as a sign of a healthy democracy. Interestingly, few say they are persuaded by demonstrations. Seven in 10 told the ABC/Post poll that recent protests didn't change their opinion and 20 percent said it made them more likely to support the war. Go to www.publicagenda.org or click "read more info" below for the full text of this announcement.

Public Opinion on Protest & Patriotism

Anti-war groups are conducting protests around the country against the invasion of Iraq. Surveys show the public initially rallying to support the president, and expressing a strong desire to support U.S. troops who are in harm's way. Yet the public both accepts the right to protest and does not consider dissent unpatriotic, at least up to a point. A substantial majority of Americans (72 percent) told CBS News in February that people who oppose war should be permitted to rally. The outbreak of war hasn't changed that view: 60 percent told the ABC/Washington Post poll on March 23 that protests are a "sign of a healthy democracy." Only 16 percent said protests should not be permitted.

Yet few say they are persuaded by the demonstrations. Seven in 10 told the ABC/Post poll that recent protests didn't change their opinion and 20 percent said it made them more likely to support the war. Only 7 percent said it made them more likely to oppose the war.

The Boston Research Center for the 21st Century features a variety of articles on the ?“Perspectives on Terrorism and Nonviolence" page of their website. To access the complete articles or read other perspectives, click on www.brc21.org/resources/res_cmnt.html. Email for more info.

The Transnational Foundation for Peace and Future Research (TFF), a network of 80 scholars, diplomats and media people around the world, hosts forums, posts news, and provides features such as the Iraqi Photo Series "Faces and Surfaces." In order to help people formulate their own opinions, and provide them with other perspectives on the crisis, TFF's website also offers analyses related to the conflict and the parties involved. www.transnational.org