The letter issued by Rhode Island clergy is based on a letter sent by national religious leaders to President Clinton last fall. We are deeply concerned by clear evidence that the embargo against Iraq is contributing to falling living standards and life expectancy. We know from visits to Iraq by staff of various national religious bodies that Iraq is facing a deepening social and humanitarian crisis. Reports from colleagues in the region testify to its very personal significance for most Iraqis. Many lack adequate food and clean water.
Diseases run rampant for lack of basic medicines.
Family structures, education levels and living standards are all deteriorating. The scale of this suffering requires a prompt, effective response. After ten years under economic sanctions, as well as damage inflicted by the Gulf War, the economy of Iraq has virtually collapsed. This is an important but inadequate response to the humanitarian crisis. It was never intended to meet the overall needs of Iraq's people.