êNo to warê

The war and subsequent occupation have not brought “democracy” to Iraq but death and destruction. International Socialist Resistance and Socialist Students have condemned the war and occupation of Iraq since it was first proposed on the basis of lies and the ambitions of US imperialism, particularly its oil interests.  It is estimated that over 100,000 Iraqi civilians and more than 2,000 coalition soldiers have been killed while it is ever clearer that the Bush regime has no feasible exit strategy.  When it became clear that there was no way easy way out or simple victory to be had the Bush regime has attempted to use divide and rule tactics which have led to the growth of ethnic and religious tensions in Iraq. Life in Iraq is a living nightmare for many without full access to water and electricity and the growing violence that menaces daily life. 

The only way to guard against ethnic and religious clashes would be the immediate withdrawal of the occupying forces and the formation of multiethnic defence forces for the security of all, under the democratic control of working people.  This needs to be combined with the building of a mass movement of the working class and oppressed masses for the end of the occupation and the creation of a new democratic workers’ party to lead the way forward with a programme that would start to deal with the huge problems facing Iraq.

 êNo to terrorê

85% of people believe that the 7/7 London bombings were not unconnected to the brutal occupation of Iraq. ISR and Socialist Students condemn the terrorist attacks which took place in London.  The dead and wounded were ordinary Londoners, some of whom probably opposed the occupation of Iraq. Without doubt the four young men who carried out the suicide bombs believed they were acting against the Blair government, against British imperialism and against the occupation of Iraq.  But the result of their actions has, in fact, been used by Blair to try to strengthen his position and to introduce further repressive legislation. 

êNo to attacks on our democratic rightsê

In Britain we already have the most wide-ranging “anti-terror” laws in Western Europe. Like Bush after 9/11, Blair has used 7/7 for further attacks on our civil and democratic rights.  In the name of “protecting us” the legislation brought in after 9/11 has led to 700 arrests, out of which only 17 have been convicted of any offence.  This legislation will lead to repression of innocent people, many of whom will be Muslims.  And it is not only Muslims, and people from ethnic minorities who will suffer if Blair is allowed to carry out his repressive plans.  Democratic rights, like the right to organise and demonstrate will be further eroded. 

 êNo to racismê

Another consequence of 7/7 has been a massive increase in racism.  The police estimate that race-hate crimes have gone up by 600%.    The most effective way to counter such racism is by building for mass mobilisations of working and young people under clear slogans of opposition to racism, to terrorism and to war. 

êHow can we make war and occupation history?ê

Since 9/11 millions have taken to the streets internationally against not only war, but the subsequent occupation of Iraq as well as against world poverty in July 2005 when the G8 met in Gleneagles.  The question is posed in the minds of all who want to act to change the world – what can we do?  Demonstrations are important in that they show the strength of feeling of ordinary people – that we oppose war and poverty and discrimination – something which is rarely allowed expression in the media.  But it’s clear that demos alone are not enough.   

In March, the threat of over a million workers taking strike action against the government’s plans to raise the retirement age from 60 to 65 forced Blair and Brown to back off.  Although they will make further attempts, this victory is important as if forced Blair to find his “reverse gear”.  

In Bolivia, where privatisation and neo-liberalism have condemned millions to poverty despite the huge natural wealth of the country, there is a huge fight back.  General strikes and mass demonstrations, which have been democratically planned by ordinary workers and indigenous people, have not only brought the country to a standstill, but have halted the privatisation of the water. 

The anti-war movement needs a programme that is based on democratic discussion and debate on the best way forward, learning the lessons of history and basing itself on ordinary working and young people.  But in order to be truly effective in consigning to the history books the war, terror and poverty that blight our world, we have to struggle together for the end of the system which sustains these atrocities – capitalism.  ISR and Socialist Students fight for a socialist transformation of society taking the huge wealth on the planet into the democratic ownership of the billions not the billionaires to be run in our interests not for their profits.

 êWhat you can doê

ê Help build support for the demo in your school/college/uni/workplace.  Contact us for leaflets, posters, sign-up sheets etc

ê Organise meetings to discuss the situation in Iraq and other issues.  ISR or Socialist Students speakers can be provided in most areas around England and Wales

ê Build an ISR or Socialist Students group in your area – find out what issues are important and build a campaign.  If you need help or advice feel free to contact us.