Bristol Stop The War Newsletter - January 2008

bristol | peace | announcement Wednesday January 16, 2008 18:09 by info@bristolstopwar

Latest news, views and events from Bristol Stop The War Coalition

BRISTOL-STOP-THE-WAR NEWS

January 2008


Important – see section 4 below – Channel 4 Political Personality Of The Decade – vote without delay

The next few weeks mark the fifth anniversary of the huge anti-war demonstration of February 15th 2003 and the subsequent invasion of Iraq by the USA and Britain. In the past five years, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have been killed. Iraq’s society remains in tatters. The USA’s ‘surge’ and its reporting in the media serves more to smoothe the US presidential election campaign than it does to solve the problems of the Iraqi people. 2007 was the worst year since the invasion for the Iraqi people – see http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=40637
Iraqis understand that only the departure of the occupiers can let them live in peace – see http://www.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,,2237452,00.html
Gordon Brown would like us to forget that British troops are still in Iraq. They are holed up in Basra airport until George Bush lets them leave. Some have been sent to the Iranian border, inflaming the situation there.

It is clear that the people of Basra understood that the British army were not making their lives more secure as the ORB opinion survey at http://www.opinion.co.uk/Newsroom_details.aspx?NewsId=85 shows. Few are recorded as thinking that things would get worse when the British left; most thought they would get better. 86% of respondents believed the British troops have, overall, had a negative effect on the Basra province since March 2003.

At the same time the war in Afghanistan is escalating. And despite the US intelligence agencies confirming that there is no nuclear weapons programme, George Bush has been touring the Middle East issuing thinly veiled threats to Iran. The US Navy tried to create an incident to which they could retaliate in the Gulf Of Hormuz last week – just like Vietnam in the 1960s.

The anti-war movement has successfully kept the issue of Britain’s role in these events at the top of the political agenda. We were instrumental in the early departure of Tony Blair and this anniversary is a good time to remind Gordon Brown that we are still expecting him to cut Britain’s ties with US foreign policy. So make arrangements to come on the March 15th demonstration (see section 2). Make sure you get to the meeting on February 29th (see section 5) – among the speakers will be people with first hand experience of events in the Middle East.

The international ‘World Against War’ Conference last December agreed the following statement:

“This conference of delegates from peace, anti-war, anti-imperialist and liberation movements across the world declares its opposition to the “endless war” prosecuted by the US government against states, peoples and movements in all parts of our planet.
We oppose the interference of the US and its allies in sovereign states, and assert the right of all peoples to self-determination. We support all people fighting for peace and against imperialism.
In particular, we demand:
1 An immediate end to the illegal military occupation of Iraq, which has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people, a withdrawal of all foreign troops and the full transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqi people and their representatives.
2 A halt to all preparations for an attack against Iran, and a commitment to solve any issues through exclusively diplomatic means.
3 A withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan, allowing the Afghan people to determine their own future.
4 Justice for the Palestinian people, and an end to Israeli aggression throughout the Middle East.
5 An end to plans for US missile defence, and that all states actively pursue nuclear disarmament.
We affirm the solidarity of all those fighting for peace, social justice and self-determination worldwide, and commit ourselves to strengthening our unity and developing new forms of co-operation.
We therefore designate the anniversary of the invasion of Iraq as a worldwide day of action in support of the demands NO ATTACK on IRAN and TROOPS OUT OF IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN and call on all national anti-war movements to hold mass protests and demonstrations on that day. “

Join us in putting these words into action.


Our next newsletter is scheduled for late March. For events and news publicised between newsletters see:

NATIONAL:
http://www.stopwar.org.uk
http://www.indymedia.org.uk
SOUTH WEST:
http://www.bristol.indymedia.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bristolsocialforum
http://www.digitalbristol.org/members/nsf/


CONTENTS
* New Section... ^ Updated Section...
~ Bristol Events... + National/International Events...

01) *~ “Offside” - Fundraising Film Show - Saturday 26th January
02) *+~ “World Against War” - National Demonstration - Saturday 15th March
03) *+~ “Get Bristol To London” - Planning Meeting - Thursday February 7th
04) *+ “Tony Blair v Anti-War Movement” - Make Your Vote Count
05) *+~ Hands Off Iraqi Oil - National Day Of Action - Saturday 23rd February
06) *~ Middle East Speakers At Public Meeting In Bristol - Friday 29th February
07) *+ Stop The St Athan Defence Academy
08) ^~ More Bristol & Bath Events
09) ^+ More National Events
10) ^~ Local Peace Vigils & Planning Meetings

GROUP DESCRIPTION : Bristol Stop The War Coalition produces this newsletter to publicise events & activities in opposition to the so-called 'war on terror'. We are composed of groups & individuals with a wide variety of political & religious views. We are politically non-aligned, but we are also committed to oppose any racist backlash Bristol STW is not a 'membership' organisation. Anyone or group opposed to the war on terror can consider themselves part of Bristol STW, or can continue to be publicised by us while choosing to organise independently of the Coalition. We don't claim (or seek) a monopoly over anti-war sentiment & activity in the city & recognise that many groups & individuals have their own ways of opposing the 'war on terror'. We are dependent on individual donations for our funding, so if you are able to make a donation please send a cheque or postal order, payable to: Bristol Stop The War Coalition. Post To: BSTW, 23 Monmouth Road, BRISTOL, BS7 8LF.
Or you can email us privately: bristolstopwar@hotmail.com

Please Note: Internet links & emails are included for your benefit in case you
wish to go online at an internet cafe, library, etc, or at some time in the future


1. “OFFSIDE” - FUNDRAISING FILM SHOW - SATURDAY 26TH JANUARY

Date: Saturday 26th January
Time: 2.30pm
Venue: St Werburghs Community Centre, Horley Road, Bristol, BS2 9TJ
Admission: £5 (£3 concessions)

Map: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=360365&y=174513&z=1&sv=360250,174750&st=4&ar=Y&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf

Refreshments will be available

‘Offside’ is about a group of young women who break into a football stadium to watch their national team compete in the World Cup qualifiers. From acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Jafar Pahani (White Balloon, The Circle, Crimson Gold) it challenges many misconceptions surronding Iran and Iranian women. More info at: http://www.channel4.com/film/reviews/film.jsp?id=155197

This showing is to raise funds for Bristol Stop The War Coalition - come along and bring your friends.

For further information email bristolstopwar@hotmail.com


2. “WORLD AGAINST WAR” - NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION - SATURDAY 15TH MARCH

Many of you will have been among the thousands of people who travelled from Bristol to London for the huge anti-war demonstration on February 15th 2003. March 2008 will mark the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. Join us on this demonstration to show your continued opposition to the ‘war on terror’.

Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have died, along with many US and British servicemen and women. Iraq’s infrastructure and civil society remain in shreds. Gordon Brown has promised troop withdrawals but there are still 5,000 British soldiers in Iraq, Most Iraqis see the occupying armies as the primary cause of violence in the country and regard their withdrawal as the key to national reconciliation. At the same time Britain is Bush's key partner in the escalation of the war in Afghanistan which is fast becoming a disaster mirroring that in Iraq. And despite the latest US intelligence reports on Iran saying that there is no nuclear weapons programme the US, with British backing, continues to threaten an attack.

On Saturday March 15th, to mark the anniversary, the Stop The War Coalition, together with CND and the British Muslim Initiative are organising a ‘World Against War’ demonstration in London. The demonstration will coincide with ‘World Against War’ marches in towns and cities around the world, as agreed at the International Peace Conference held in London on December 1st last year. The London demonstration will call for all foreign troops to be withdrawn from Iraq and Afghanistan, and demand there is no attack on Iran.

There will be coaches from Bristol. Details of ticket outlets and prices will be available soon. Put the date in your diary now.

For further information email bristolstopwar@hotmail.com


3. “GET BRISTOL TO LONDON” - PLANNING MEETING - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 7TH

Bristol Stop The War Coalition want to work with other people and groups locally to ensure there is the largest possible presence from the city on the March 15th demonstration . Come to this meeting to make plans for this important event. The details of the meeting are:

Venue: UNITE/TGWU Offices,Transport House, Victoria Street, BRISTOL, BS1 6AY
Date: Thursday 7th February 2008
Time: 7.00pm to 8.30pm

Map: http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?lat=51.4513&lon=-2.5873&scale=10000&icon=x


4. “TONY BLAIR V ANTI-WAR MOVEMENT” - MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT

Channel 4 news award for political personality of the decade. The voice of the anti-war majority is shortlisted
SEE: http://tinyurl.com/3yl9gh CLOSING DATE FRIDAY 18 JANUARY

The shortlist is in for the Channel 4 News Award for most inspiring political personality of the last decade and includes the majority of people in Britain who have opposed the illegal and immoral war in Iraq from the start . And Tony Blair! Who will win?

You decide. Help give voice on national television to the majority peace movement in Britain. The closing date for voting is 18 January.

Brian Haw, Parliament Square's permanent peace protester, won the 2007 Channel 4 News award for Most Inspiring Political Figure, with Tony Blair receiving only 8 per cent of the vote. Let's ensure we have a similar result this year. Please vote for peace and spread the word among your family, friends, work colleagues, fellow students, trade union, community group, church or mosque.

There are 5000 British troops in Iraq and 8000 in Afghanistan. Let us remind Gordon Brown, as we did Tony Blair before him, that this warmongering is not in our name.

HOW TO VOTE:

BY EMAIL: IT'S FREE
Go to the Channel 4 News Political Awards Page:
http://tinyurl.com/3yl9gh
Under Anti-Iraq war protestors, click Email

BY TELEPHONE (Cost 25p)
Call 09011 27 27 06


5. HANDS OFF IRAQI OIL - NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION - SATURDAY 23RD FEBRUARY

Called by Hands Off Iraqi Oil and supported by the Stop the War Coalition

HELP STOP THE THEFT OF IRAQ'S FUTURE - TELL SHELL AND BP: HANDS OFF IRAQI OIL!

STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE IRAQI PEOPLE For the Iraqi people, war and occupation have led to hundreds of thousands of deaths, relentless insecurity and crippling poverty. But for foreign oil companies, the desperate situation in Iraq is an opportunity to control Iraq’s oil, and make massive profits at the expense of the Iraqi people.

OIL & OCCUPATION Iraq’s oil reserves are the third largest in the world and account for 95% of Iraqi government revenue. Immense pressure has been exerted on the Iraqi government by the US, the UK, and the International Monetary Fund to accept foreign investment. As a result, new legislation could give the likes of BP, Shell, Exxon and Chevron contracts to control Iraq’s oil for a generation – depriving ordinary Iraqis of scores of billions of dollars. Shell and BP, with the help of the UK Foreign Office and Treasury have been actively pushing for this law and these contracts since 2003.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO STOP THEM The Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions is at the forefront of grassroots campaigning against the privatisation of Iraq’s oil industry. A recent poll found that 63% of Iraqis believe their oil should be developed and produced by Iraqi public sector companies rather than foreign companies. Who should decide the future of Iraq’s economy and resources? The people of Iraq, or Shell and BP?

There will be events in Bristol on 23rd February - look out for details soon

For further information email bristolstopwar@hotmail.com or visit www.handsoffiraqioil.org


6. MIDDLE EAST SPEAKERS AT PUBLIC MEETING IN BRISTOL - FRIDAY 29TH FEBRUARY

Another important date to put in your diary now. We are planning a major meeting in Bristol with high-profile speakers from the Middle East - the type of people you are likely to hear once in a very long time. This will be an opportunity to hear first hand from people whose views we normally only hear distorted and mis-quoted in the mainstream media. This will be a really important, exciting meeting. Make sure you can be there - even if it’s your birthday! Details will be available very soon.

But – there is an urgent and critical need for money to fund this event if you can help us email bristolstopwar@hotmail.com

For further information email bristolstopwar@hotmail.com




7. STOP THE ST ATHAN DEFENCE ACADEMY

On Thurs Jan 17 (1pm) there will be a protest outside the Welsh Assembly against the proposed military academy at St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan. This month heralds the start of a period of intense campaigning against the proposed military academy at St Athan, Vale Of Glamorgan, leading up to a major demonstration, supported by the Stop The War Coalition, in April.

The creation of an armed forces super-academy at St Athan, between Cardiff and Swansea, was announced as a done deal in January 2007. Despite the fact this represented the biggest PFI (private finance initiative) in history, involving up to £16 billion of taxpayers' money, there had been no debate in either Westminster or the Welsh Assembly (Senedd). A promise of 5500 local jobs was trumpeted loudly by an uncritical news media and presented as a great victory for Wales.

The winning bidders for the project were the Metrix consortium. This consortium includes Qinetiq, the privatised research and development wing of the MoD. Qinetiq was recently the subject of intense criticism by the National Audit Office. MoD managers proposed privatising Qinetiq – then made a killing as their own shares rose 10,000% on the day of the sale! Also amassing vast profits were the US-based Carlyle Group, a sinister lash-up of politicians and arms dealers with a vested interest in promoting war. Former directors of Carlyle include one George W. Bush.

Metrix also involves the US arms manufacturer Raytheon. Raytheon make the missiles which deliver cluster bombs, the horrendous weapons which are estimated to have killed 100,000 people – 98% of them innocent
civilians. The world can also thank Raytheon for the depleted uranium weapons which have led to thousands of deformed babies and increases in cancers in war zones and beyond.

Raytheon, Qinetiq and friends will not just be training UK armed forces at St Athan. They will train any soldiers, sailors and air force personnel that are willing to pay for the privilege. And like all PFIs, the St Athan academy will be subsidised by the taxpayer, and if necessary, bailed out with public money.

There has never been a detailed breakdown of the jobs the academy will bring. However, even Metrix admit that many of the military trainers will relocate from elsewhere. Every PFI has secured profits by cutting costs. St Athan will mean less MoD jobs overall, and the poorest pay and conditions for low-skilled workers.

In any case, imagine what else could be done with £14 billion! With hospitals and schools closing throughout Wales and the UK, with an acute need to improve social facilities, create sustainable sources of energy etc, such public money could be invested in socially useful projects rather than the preparation for future wars of occupation like Iraq.

If this development goes ahead, 21st century Wales will become a militarised, security-obsessed nightmare. If you want to stop the war profiteers in their tracks, support the campaign and raise it in your union, student union, workplace and community. To join our mailing list, email no2militaryacademy@inbox.com or write to Stop The St Athan Academy c/o Temple of Peace, Cardiff CF10 3AP. For more details visit www.cynefin-y-werin.org.uk.



8. MORE BRISTOL & BATH EVENTS

a) Return From Palestine - Talk - Thursday 24th January
b) Holocaust Memorial Day Meeting – Sunday 27th January
c) “Tactics For Social Change” – Discussion Meeting – Wednesday 23rd January

a) RETURN FROM PALESTINE - TALK - THURSDAY 24TH JANUARY

Date: Thursday 24th January
Time: 7.30 pm
Venue: Redland Quaker Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, Bristol, BS6 6JE

Map: http://www.multimap.com/maps/?hloc=GB|bs1%206eu#t=l&map=51.46883,-2.60827|16|4&loc=GB:51.46883:-2.60827:15|bs6%206jf|BS6%206JF

Gaie Delap has recently returned from helping with the olive harvest in Palestine. Illustrated with slides, Gaie’s talk will give her personal account of experiences as a volunteer with the olive cooperative Zaytoun on the West Bank. Many people have bought bottles of Palestinian olive oil grown and processed on the West Bank. Gaie can talk from experience about where the oil comes from, and the people for whom the olives are a way of life. A chance to hear the personal stories of ordinary lives behind the political headlines. (Or if you want to know more about what it’s like to help out with Olive Harvest.) With stunning visual images of places and people in Palestine. Refreshments will be available.



b) HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY MEETING – SUNDAY 27TH JANUARY

Date: Sunday 27th January
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Avon Fire & Rescue Service Headquarters, Temple Back, Bristol, BS1 6EU

Map: http://www.multimap.com/maps/?hloc=GB|bs1%206eu#t=l&map=51.45332,-2.58717|16|4&loc=GB:51.45332:-2.58717:15|bs1%206eu|BS1%206EU

Presented by: Unite Against Fascism
Speakers: John Drake, South West Regional Secretary, Fire Brigades Union
: Weyman Bennett – National Secretary, Unite Against Fascism
: Margot Barnard – London Jewish Cultural Centre
: Paulette North – Bristol Defend Asylum Seekers Campaign


c) “TACTICS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE” – DISCUSSION MEETING – WEDNESDAY 23rd JANUARY

Date:
Time: 7pm: coffee, cake, tea & info 7.30pm: talk, discussion, questions
Venue: Venue: 14 Robertson Rd, Easton, Bristol BS5 6JY

Speaker: Peter Gelderloos - US activist & author

Is non-violence the way to change society? Peter Gelderloos is author of the book ‘How nonviolence protects the state’ (Signalfire press, 2005), which has caused a furore across North America & western Europe. He argues for a real diversity of tactics, and rejects what he and others see as the pacification (and passiveness) of the movements for social change & revolution.

For further info: http://www.kebelecoop.org Gelderloos book info: http://www.signalfirepress.org/

9. MORE NATIONAL EVENTS

a) Aldermaston Bike Ride - 22nd-26th March

a) ALDERMASTON BIKE RIDE - 22ND-26TH MARCH

Bikes against the bomb! Bike ride March 22nd-26th 2008

Fifty years on from the first Aldermaston march, anti-nuclear campaigners need to work quickly to halt the Trident replacement. Aldermaston atomic weapons establishment is now building research facilities to build the next generation of nukes, despite this being illegal under the international non-proliferation treaty. Grab your bikes and come and help us stop them. Bikes not bombs are planning a bike ride from London to Aldermaston Atomic Weapons Establishment and back again, as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the first Aldermaston march The bike ride is expected to take 4 days (22nd March - 26th March 2008). If you would be interested in attending, or even better, in helping to organise it, then please email info@bikesnotbombs.org.uk

10. LOCAL PEACE VIGILS & PLANNING GROUPS

a) THE DAILY BRISTOL PEACE VIGIL: TIMES: MON-FRI 5:30-6:30pm & SAT 3:00-4:00pm.
PLACE: City Centre (Opposite The Hippodrome. St. Augustines Parade). The Independent Bristol Peace Vigil is an open space for discussion, as well a crucial focus to Bristol's campaigns. We've kept vigil every night (except Sundays) since a few days after 11th Sept 2001, & we'll keep Vigil into the future, but we do need your support to keep our flame alive. If you can only make it for 15 minutes, or a couple of times a month, please still come. Everyone's welcome at the Bristol Peace Vigil.
b) BATH PEACE VIGIL: Every Saturday 11.30am-12.30pm. Bath Abbey.
(Off York Street. From the railway station or bus station walk up Manvers St)
c) THE BRISTOL-STOP-THE-WAR PLANNING GROUP: Everyone's welcome. We hold regular Bristol-Stop-The-War planning meetings as a forum for local groups to inform each other of their intentions, of finding people to work together on projects, & where large scale Bristol events are agreed & planned. We don't vote at these meetings, as we're not here to force adherence to a consensus view. For details of current meeting venue, see section 3 of this newsletter All welcome.

For further information email bristolstopwar@hotmail.com

d) BATH-STOP-THE-WAR PLANNING GROUP: Hold Regular Meetings. For details:
Tel: 01225 315480 Email: postmaster@bathstopwar.org.uk Visit: www.bathstopwar.org.uk


For general enquiries email: bristolstopwar@hotmail.com
For News Around Bristol Visit: http://bristol.indymedia.org


"Even those of us who have tried to follow the war closely are not aware of a fraction of the horrors unleashed in Iraq." - Author Arundathi Roy at the World Tribunal on Iraq, Istanbul, 2005. http://www.worldtribunal.org/

SAY YES 2 PEACE ..... SAY YES 2 PEACE ..... SAY YES 2 PEACE