For more on the growing resistance to war in Iraq see Families Organize Against Their Kin Fighting in Iraq Army Ships GI Who Tried to File CO Claim to Iraq After First Isolating Him To Barracks   NEXT

Army Reservist Ghanim Khalil, Announces that He'll Refuse to Deploy   Right: Ghanim Khalil talks to the press after making his announcement at the February 15th nti-war rally in New York City. Sp/4 Ghanim Khalil, 26, of Staten Island, N.Y., announced before the huge anti-war rally at the United Nations on February 15th that he would refuse orders to deploy as part of any unilateral military invasion of Iraq. Khalil has served as a supply specialist with the Army National Guard at its Marcy Avenue Armory in Brooklyn, N Y for nearly four years. His commander recently advised the unit at a weekend drill that it was "only a matter of time" before they would be called to active duty for service in Gulf War Two. Khalil, an American citizen of Pakistani/Kashmiri descent, currently majors in history at the College of Staten Island. Prior to the Guard, he served four years on active dutywith the US Marine Corps where he worked in supply at its Parris Island, S.C. basic training base. While assigned there, he assumed the role of Islamic lay leader for Islamic Marines. As such, he advocated with the command for Marines who'd suffered from acts of anti-Islamic prejudice at the base. He recalls that some of his commanders didn't appreciate his efforts to expose this religious bigotry. A Sufi Muslim, Khalil bases his opposition to deployment on spiritual, ethical, and political beliefs. He told a press conference prior to the huge rally, "I have objections to this war. I believe that this war is for material gain. I believe that this war will lead to security problems for the American people and that our children will be endangered in the future." When reporters asked how he squared his current beliefs with the enlistment contract he'd signed years earlier, he responded; "Just because you sign a contact doesn't mean that you'll go along with everything you're told, especially if the orders are illegal under international law." Reporters from local TV channels 5, 7, and 9 all filed stories as did German/French Arte TV, WINS News Radio and the New York Daily News. At the huge but peaceful rally, which was marred by repeated acts of violence by the NYPD, Specialist Khalil told the throng; "Today, I am in a position to make a difference or remain silent. Will I participate in a war which could lead to hundreds of thousands of civilian dead, endanger the safety of the American people and create chaos in the Middle East, all to benefit a few powerful and wealthy people? He continued: "This war will spread hatred between America and the Muslim world. It is the duty of educated groups on both sides to put down our masks and weapons, so that there can be a dialogue--not a clash--of civilizations. Today, I'm making my choice and it's to make a difference!" Khalil will return soon to his monthly drill with his Army Guard unit in Brooklyn, NY where he will learn when his unit will be ordered to deploy. You are urged to send an email message of support to Specialist Khalil! Send it to; citizensoldier1@aol.com and it will be forwarded to this courageous soldier.