Troops Out Of Iraq


Money For Public Services Not War And Occupation

ALMOST TWO thirds of voters oppose the deployment of the Black Watch
nearer to Baghdad. It is well understood that this action has more to do
with Bush’s campaign to win the US election than any military strategy.

Jane James

These troops are heading for an area known as the "triangle of
death" where they are more likely to face serious casualties than in
Basra. The demand for the withdrawal of all British and US forces is
gaining increased support.

Not a day goes by without reports of suicide bombings, hostage taking
and resistance to the occupation. Last weekend 70 Iraqi security officers
and army recruits were killed along with the bombing of two oil pipelines.

While the media highlight the kidnappings and beheading of foreigners
in Iraq little is reported on the suffering of the Iraqi people
themselves.

Vast numbers of Iraqis are fleeing their country to escape US bombing,
shortage of food and basic services. 100 Iraqis are killed every day on
average. Four-fifths of Iraqi people demand the immediate withdrawal of
occupying troops.

A recent report from Fallujah, which faces daily US bombardment,
describes many residents leaving the city: "Hospitals have all but
run out of supplies and most people know this.

"But still the injured are being taken there – just so that they
can be near the doctors and receive some comfort."

The US want to quell the resistance in Fallujah and other cities in
order to hold elections in January.

Who gains from this occupation? Not the 30,000 Iraqi civilians who have
been killed so far and the many refugees, nor the US and British troops
who are dying for Bush and Blair’s war.

Working people in Britain witness billions being spent on this war
while New Labour sell off our schools and council housing to big business.

We say:

  • Withdraw the troops.
  • Money for public services not war.
  • Let the Iraqi people decide their own future.
  • For a united working-class struggle against the occupation and for a socialist Iraq.
  • For a new workers’ party to replace Blair and New Labour.