The Bush administration's plan to wage war against Iraq has run into opposition from some unexpected quarters in recent weeks. While Democrats have largely muted their criticism of the Bush march to war, several prominent officials of past Republican administrations and GOP legislators have publicly cautioned that a unilateral attack on Iraq by the U.S. could create greater instability in the Middle East and harm long-term American interests.

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Brent Scowcroft the national security advisor to the former President Bush, U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and House Majority leader Dick Armey have warned that the White House has not yet made a convincing case to the American people that an attack on Iraq now is justified and has not prepared adequately for the consequences of such a war.

Adding to renewed debate on U.S. policy toward Iraq are news reports that officials of the Reagan administration provided critical battle planning assistance to Saddam Hussein in his war with Iran during the 1980s, even as Baghdad's use of chemical weapons during that conflict was universally condemned. Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Kathy Kelly, co-coordinator Voices in the Wilderness, a group which has long opposed United Nations/U.S. sanctions against Iraq. Kelly, who has visited Iraq 15 times, explains why she and seven other activists undertook a symbolic 40-day fast beginning Aug. 3rd in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Kathy Kelly, co-coordinator with Voices in the Wilderness, can be contacted by calling (773) 784-8065; or visit their Web site at www.vitw.org