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Overview
In this graphic, thought-provoking book, Ed Griffin-Nolan depicts the experiences of Witness for Peace, a group of Americans who bore witness to the war in Nicaragua--an event that resulted in the killing and wounding of many innocent Central American civilians. The author describes how WFP participants spent weeks in the war zones in order to understand and provide witness to the impact of the United States' foreign policy on people living, as one member of the group phrased it, ""at the other end of the gun barrel"." Motivated by conscience or religious conviction or both, witnesses were attacked verbally by contra supporters in the United States and threatened physically by the contras in the field.Synopsis
In this graphic, thought-provoking book, Ed Griffin-Nolan depicts the experiences of Witness for Peace, a group of Americans who bore witness to the war in Nicaragua--an event that resulted in the killing and wounding of many innocent Central American civilians. The author describes how WFP participants spent weeks in the war zones in order to understand and provide witness to the impact of the United States' foreign policy on people living, as one member of the group phrased it, ""at the other end of the gun barrel"." Motivated by conscience or religious conviction or both, witnesses were attacked verbally by contra supporters in the United States and threatened physically by the contras in the field.
Library Journal
The Witness for Peace (WFP) movement grew out of the commitment of some U.S. citizens to halt their government's support for the Nicaraguan contras in the bloody war against the Sandinista government. From 1983 to 1990, nearly 4000 Witness participants visited war zones, most for short stays, others for protracted periods. By placing themselves in villages vulnerable to assault, Witnesses hoped to prevent contra attacks. They also placed great emphasis on the power of prayer and on the power of the press to bring pressure on the U.S. government to withdraw support for the contras . In their own words WFP participants describe how their experiences changed their lives. Descriptions of the reactions of Nicaraguan campesinos to the arrival of vehicles laden with yellow-shirted gringos are insightful and often humorous. The book presents a thoughtful, balanced assessment of the effects of the WFP program overall. Recommended for public library collections.--Ruth M. Mara, Agency for International Development, Washington, D.C.