Writers from around the world have signed their names to a petition against a US war on Iraq. Signers of the petition include science fiction and fantasy authors Ellen Datlow, Karen Joy Fowler, Lisa Goldstein, John Kessel, Kelly Link, and Michael Moorcock.

"Science Fiction writers have a special interest in the future and the US policy on Iraq is putting our future at risk. It's no wonder that so many fine writers in the genre are coming out in opposition to Bush and his war," said Douglas Lain, the Portland man who co-wrote the petition via email with New Zealand author Tim Jones.

"We are calling for a diplomatic solution. The United States should allow the return of UN weapons inspectors without a resolution on the use of force, and then the UN should lift the sanctions which have caused so much misery in Iraq," Tim Jones explained.

The petition states that writers and artists have a special responsibility to combat deceit and distortion, and suggests that the public is not being told the truth about the heavy civilian and military casualties a conflict with Iraq would cause.

As of the evening of October 11, there were 104 signers. The petition and list of signers is available on the internet at: http://www.douglaslain.com/aawii.html.

Updated October 21, 2002