Ten Years After Iraq - No More Invasions!

bristol | peace | announcement Tuesday March 12, 2013 14:58 by info@bristolstopwar

Ten years ago this month Tony Blair sent British troops into Iraq as part of the US-led invasion. Please join Bristol Stop The War Coalition supporters in marking this anniversary. We will Name The Dead – reading the names of British soldiers and Iraqis killed during the invasion and occupation of Iraq. Meet on the Centre, opposite the Hippodrome from 5.30pm on Wednesday 20th March. All welcome.

For more information email bristolstopwar@hotmail.com

Millions worldwide opposed the invasion of Iraq, including a majority of people in Britain. Despite the efforts of politicians and media, they saw through the lies being used to push Britain into an illegal war behind George Bush in a struggle for oil and power in the Middle East.

The war-mongers were proved wrong on every count. Wrong about the weapons of mass destruction; wrong about being greeted with flowers; wrong about the human cost; wrong about Iraq becoming a flourishing democracy. And, of course, wrong in saying that the world would become a safer place.

Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis were killed. Millions more became refugees. This was on top of the hundreds of thousands who died from the effect of sanctions in the decade up to March 2003. The use of depleted uranium and other toxic weapons by the US and Britain resulted in hugely increased levels of birth deformities and cancers in Iraq and neighbouring countries. Under the USA's 'divide and rule' policy, Iraqi society fragmented. Ten years after the invasion, it is still one of the most dangerous and violent countries in the world. Two thirds of Iraqis, across all communities, think things are as bad as or worse than under Saddam Hussein.

The occupation of Afghanistan has continued. Britain's bombing in Libya led to the deaths of tens of thousands more people. Threats remain to intervene in Syria and to attack Iran. Sanctions are having a devastating effect on the people of Iran just as they did in Iraq. David Cameron has sent British soldiers to support the French intervention in Mali. The people of these countries have the right to determine their own future, without threats, invasion and occupation from the USA, Britain and their allies. Having brought years of death and destruction to Afghanistan and Iraq, the idea that the USA and Britain should have any role in solving the problems of other countries cannot be taken seriously.

And now after billions of pounds were wasted in the invasion and occupation of Iraq we are told that spending has to be cut on health, education and other public services.

For more information email bristolstopwar@hotmail.com