As we approach the 20th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, we have a real and urgent opportunity to knock out key pillars upholding the United States’ endless wars, and to do right by the hundreds of thousands of people harmed here and abroad as a result. Win Without War, the Friends Committee on National Legislation, Afghans For A Better Tomorrow, Demand Progress, Daily Kos, and MPower Change brought together congressional champions, leading activists, and our sharpest legal minds to lay out the task before us. Together, we shared how we can finally take the Iraq War authorization off the books, plot a course for tackling the expansive 2001 AUMF, and help shift our foreign policy from violence and towards partnering with impacted communities to support their security and self-determination.

This event featured a lively discussion between war powers reform champion, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Win Without War Executive Director Sara Haghdoosti, followed by an expert panel. Win Without War Government Relations Director Eric Eikenberry moderated between:

• Hina Shamsi, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
• Heather Brandon-Smith, Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL)
• Arash Azizzada, Afghans for a Better Tomorrow (AFBT)

Our event aimed to educate and energize grassroots supporters on the legal authorities that still uphold endless wars and how Congress can roll them back, all while spotlighting where and how the audience can immediately support the communities impacted by 20+ years of conflict.