Iraq's Empty Boots

Question

By Gwenyth Swain

Cobblestone, November 2008
Protests against the war in Iraq began even before the United States invaded this Middle Eastern country in March 2003. President George W. Bush became convinced in late 2002 and early 2003 that Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein had powerful weapons of mass destruction. He also believed that Hussein was helping to spread terrorism. When confronted, Iraq's leader denied the charges.

People around the globe watched as the United States and Iraq drew closer to war. On the weekend of February 15, 2003 -- helped by the power of the Internet -- millions of people in different cities and countries protested the possible war. These protests were nearly all peaceful, and many were quite large. London's mayor called his city's turnout "the biggest political demonstration in 2,000 years of British history."Although many protested, they did not stop the coming conflict. On March 20, the United States, joined by the United Kingdom and other allies, began an invasion of Iraq. That spring, during the initial invasion, fewer people protested the war, particularly in the United States.

Photo credit: American Friends Service Committee

But many U.S. groups remained active during the invasion and have grown even more active as the war continues. Some of these local and national groups have been around for a long time. Women Against Military Madness (WAMM), for example, started in 1981 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as a group of women who wanted to prevent nuclear war. The group has often used unusual tactics. One year members bought all the "war toys" at a local store just before the Christmas holidays, returning them afterwards.During the Iraq War, WAMM has joined with other peace organizations to hold protests. WAMM members may be found at the Peace Bridge, a regular weekly anti-war protest on a bridge spanning the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and St. Paul. Members also help plan and publicize larger yearly protests on or around the anniversary of the war's start. The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has been around even longer, since 1917. This national organization was founded by members of the Society of Friends, or Quakers, long known for their opposition to war. One of the AFSC's most memorable anti-war events during the conflict in Iraq isn't a traditional protest, with people marching down a street. Instead, it's a traveling exhibit called "Eyes Wide Open," in which empty army boots are set up to represent service members who have lost their lives in Iraq. You can start your CERCA with your summary, ideas from your personal connection writing, or an attention-getting question, fact, or quotation.

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Answer 1

Certainly! Here are a few suggestions for starting your CERCA (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning, Counterargument, and Acknowledgment) essay based on the content of "Iraq's Empty Boots" by Gwenyth Swain:

Opening Hook Ideas

1. Attention-Getting Question:

   • "What does it truly mean to remember the lives lost in war when hollow symbols, like empty boots, line our streets?"

2. Fact or Statistic:

   • "Since the invasion of Iraq began in March 2003, over 4,000 U.S. service members lost their lives, yet the echoes of their sacrifices often fade in the hustle of everyday life."

3. Quotation:

   • “War is not an adventure, nor a game — it is the tragic consequence of humanity's failure.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the protests against the war in Iraq and the solemnity of remembering those who served.

4. Personal Connection:

   • "Growing up in a military family, I learned early on that each pair of boots represents more than just a soldier; they symbolize the stories, struggles, and sacrifices of individuals committed to their country."

Summary Introduction

For the introduction to your summary, you could start like this:

"In 'Iraq's Empty Boots,' Gwenyth Swain explores the profound impact of protests against the Iraq War and the ways in which organizations have tried to honor the memory of those who served. Through various forms of activism and awareness campaigns, groups like Women Against Military Madness and the American Friends Service Committee illustrate the diverse methods of advocating for peace and commemorating lost lives."

Transition to the Claim

After laying the groundwork with your hook and summary, smoothly transition into your main claim or argument by stating your position on the protests against the Iraq War. For instance:

"The persistent efforts of peace activists not only challenge the narrative of war but also serve as a vital reminder of the human cost associated with military conflict."

Feel free to mix and match any of these suggestions to craft a compelling introduction that resonates with your perspective!