Protest against the occupation of Iraq

29-30 January –

Protest against the occupation of Iraq

Elections are scheduled to take place in Iraq on 30 January. Bush and Blair
are desperate for these elections to take place to try to convince the world
they are giving Iraqi people some control over their lives.

Clare James ISR national organiser

But with the continuing occupation and with it the growth of poverty,
unemployment and violence it will take more than their sham elections to prove
to the world that the Iraqi people are any better off now.

This week the government has committed 400 extra British troops to Iraq
which proves that there are no plans by the US or Britain to end the
occupation. What is certain is that the death toll of Iraqi people and US and
British troops will continue to rise.

Vital

It is vital that the anti-war movement steps up local and national action
to continue to build the campaign to end the occupation – particularly around
the time of the elections. This is why International Socialist Resistance (ISR)
and Socialist Students are building for a weekend of action on 29 and 30
January.

We will be holding lunchtime meetings and ballots outside schools and
colleges so students can vote against the occupation of Iraq. We will be
leafleting to ask people to get involved in helping to organise the various
actions we will be holding.

Some areas are planning to hold protests outside petrol stations owned by
oil companies that are profiting from the occupation. In London, we are
planning to hold a protest outside one of the companies who have been given
‘security’ contracts in Iraq. We will also be holding town centre actions of
leafleting and protests, as well as afternoon meetings.

If you would like to organise an action in your area, please get in touch
with us to get leaflets, posters and petitions sent to you.