The war hawks who orchestrated the invasion of Iraq are that type of gambler, and they're willing to bet everything on their gamble in the Middle East. This could put the US peace movement in a stronger position, should it unify and adopt an effective nonviolent strategy to end our illegal occupation of Iraq (see my article "Getting Out Of Iraq: A Letter to the US Peace Movement" at http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1214-31.htm).

Last week it was reported that the Army National Guard seeks to give active duty soldiers who join the guard $15,000 bonuses - an increase from the current $50. The Army Reserve is also boosting its reenlistment bonuses, according to Military.com.

It was also reported last week that the Army wants to increase its ranks by 30,000 new slots. This doesn't account for the current members whose contracts were involuntarily extended, or the retirees and officers called back to active duty. The Project for a New American Century, the neoconservative group that paved the way to invading Iraq, has called for 25,000 additional army personnel per year for several years.

A few days ago came news about the "Bush administration proposal to boost payments to families of US troops killed in Iraq, Afghanistan and future war zones" from just over $12,000 to $250,000 (AP). Congressional Democrats want to extend this benefit to "all service members on active military duty" (while avoiding debate about the meaning of "future war zones").

While few would argue that most military members and their families deserve more dignified pay and benefits, the question is why now?

Plausibly, shortfalls in recruiting, retention problems, desertions, public refusals by service members to serve in Iraq, a rise in conscientious objection, and the outspoken opposition of military families to the war in Iraq, caused these moves.

Instead of sensibly withdrawing from Iraq and healing military morale, however, the war hawks prefer to spend more money and expend more military force in their quest to conquer Iraq. Never mind that they've already failed, and never mind the damage done to Iraq or America's relationship with the world.

The US faces yearly deficits of about $450 billion, annual reported Pentagon budgets topping $400 billion, a trade deficit nearing $500 billion, and a national debt of almost $8 trillion. We can't afford to write endless checks for illegal and unnecessary wars. Foreign investors are quietly losing confidence in the US and are turning to Europe and Asia, while the domestic economy is floating on a sea of consumer debt and a real estate bubble sustained by low interest rates.

Something has to give, and the war hawks managing the occupation of Iraq are betting that more money tossed in the military pot will allow them to outlast everyone else at the table. They're betting that the Iraqi resistance - and the peace movement - will fold before the financial house of cards comes down.

However, the reality in Iraq shows how weak their hand is. The Iraqi election is to democracy what one-night stands are to love, the heavy-handed occupation of Iraq continues to breed widespread resistance, and even some US corporations are abandoning contracts in Iraq. The reality in the US is a country at war with itself, a nation of diminished liberty and creeping fascism, and a government following the playbook used by the Soviet Union in Afghanistan.

The most prevalent criticism of my article "Getting Out Of Iraq: A Letter to the US Peace Movement" was that it didn't address the issue of military funding. The recent efforts of the military and the Bush administration to boost recruitment and retention indicate that persuading men and women to avoid military service could effectively address that criticism.

If the US peace movement organizes to peacefully reduce the number of military personnel who serve in support of the Iraqi occupation, financial incentives will have to increase to sustain the occupation. As the financial health of the US subsequently declines, America will eventually reach a "tipping point" where the People and the Congress demand an immediate withdrawal from Iraq.

Mike Kress is an Air Force veteran (87-94) who served in the Persian Gulf (Operation Southern Watch) before leaving the military as a conscientious objector. He is the vice chair of the Spokane Human Rights Commission and is an active volunteer with the Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane (www.pjals.org). Email at shrcmike@yahoo.com.

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