Bristol Stop The War Coalition are holding a meeting on October 7th to discuss the state of the “War on Terror” and strategy for the anti-war movement.

The 'War On Terror' – Nine Years On

Speakers: Lindsey German (National Convener of Stop The War)
Date: Thursday 7th October
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: 3rd Floor, Hamilton House, Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS2 8TN. (This is opposite the end of Jamaica Street).

All Welcome
It is now nine years since George Bush, backed by Tony Blair, launched the 'war on terror'. Nine years in which hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and Afghans have died along with thousands of US and hundreds of British troops. Millions of Iraqis and Afghans are refugees. The infrastructure of these countries has been destroyed. In Afghanistan tens of thousands of occupying troops prop up a corrupt government which has little support outside the capital. In Iraq the occupation has encouraged the division of the country along religious and ethnic lines. Fifty thousand US troops remain in Iraq, despite their claim that the war is over. At the same time Israel continues its occupation of Palestine and attacks on Gaza. There are continued threats to attack Iran as well as sanctions crippling the country.

The 'war on terror' was launched under the pretext of making us safe in Britain. Instead the government and media have encouraged Islamophobia and attacks on civil liberties. Protestors against Israel's attacks on Gaza have received long jail sentences for minor offences.

All of this has carried a massive financial cost for Britain. Over the last nine years £20 billion has been spent on the invasions and occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan. This money would have gone a long way towards covering the costs of public services which our new government is intent on cutting.

77% of people in Britain want troops brought home from Afghanistan but in a recent debate in Parliament only 16 MPs voted for a motion to withdraw British troops.

There have been some notable victories for the anti-war movement recently. Tony Blair was prevented from signing his book in London and having a launch party for it at Tate Modern by the strength of opposition. The 'EDO Decommissioners', on trial for wrecking an arms factory supplying equipment to Israel, were all acquitted having argued that they were acting to prevent a greater crime – Israel's attack on Gaza.

Come along to the meeting to discuss these and related issues.