Build A Mass Anti-War Movement

THE ANTI-war demonstration on 15 February will be like nothing that's ever happened in Britain before.

The police (who always underestimate turnout) expect around half a million to converge on London, but the figure could be much higher.

Reports from around the country (see Youth Against the War and also No Blood for Oil) indicate that an immense and unprecedented movement against war will make itself heard loud and clear on the 15th - an international day of protest in which millions will be taking part around the globe.

Barring the unlikely possibility that Saddam Hussein agrees to go into exile or is overthrown by a military coup, Bush and Blair are determined to go ahead with war within the next few weeks.

The pro-war propaganda machines have gone into overdrive to come up with 'evidence' to justify action against Iraq. But empty assertions about links with Al Q'aida or weapons of mass destruction will not be enough to convince the millions worldwide who oppose this war, which is clearly about oil and demonstrating the economic, political and military dominance of US imperialism internationally.

Come to the mass demonstration in London on 15 February. Organise in your workplace, school, college, university and local community for a huge turnout.
Build anti-war groups in every school, college, university, workplace and community.
Organise for mass civil disobedience - walkouts, protests, blockades and industrial action against the war.
Join the Socialist Party and campaign for a socialist alternative to global conflict and war.

Action against war

Friday 14 February:

Local anti-war protests and walkouts

Saturday 15 February:

National anti-war demonstration called by Stop the War Coalition

Assemble 12 noon:

London and the South - Assemble Embankment

The North - Assemble Gower Street (nearest tubes Goodge St, Euston Square)

Youth against the War - assemble 11am Trafalgar Square

Scotland anti-war demonstration

Organised by the Scottish Coalition for Justice not War

Assemble 10am: People's Palace, Glasgow Green

Friday 7 March

Walkout against War - School and college strikes called by Youth Against the War.

For more details: Tel 020 8988 8778

Youth Against the War: Tel 020 8558 7947

Risking lives for oil

LAST WEEK, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon announced the call up of 4,500 reservists to add to the 1,500 already mobilised. Around 35,000 troops, one-quarter of the British Army, are likely to be sent to fight a war for oil in Iraq. According to a Ministry of Defence survey, one in three soldiers believe morale in the Army is low. Only 19% think it is high.

War could result in tens of thousands of casualties amongst Iraqi civilians as well as putting at risk the lives of British and US soldiers.

The Socialist spoke to Danny from north east London who has just left the Army.

Why did you join the Army?

"I joined the Army because I didn't have many qualifications. I was 17 and I thought that by joining the Army I might be able to achieve something, get a driving licence and some qualifications. I think that's why a lot of young people join the Army; they're not doing too well at school or can't find a job. Others join because people in their family were in the Army."

What do you think about a war with Iraq?

"I think there's no need for it really. As someone who was in the Army, I know that you don't really get to know what's going on and why you're doing it. You're too busy to sit down and read the papers. But once you go out there you realise what it's all about.

"I can't see what they've got to prove going to war with Iraq. I definitely think a lot of the troops will get a big shock when they get out there. The mood is very tense at the moment. Tense and confused. I've still got friends who are in the Army and they don't know what to do."

Also:

No Blood For Oil

Youth against the war

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