Ireland ‘party to killing of Afghan civilians’

THE crocodile tears being shed in Washington over the deaths of more than 100 Afghani civilians – killed by US bombs – take the shine off President Barack Obama’s flawless smile.

There have been many words written about Obama’s first 100 days in office, but it was clear from his first week that his policies would be the cause of many innocent deaths when he sanctioned two air strikes in Pakistan that killed 22 people, including women and children.

The Fianna Fáil/Green coalition is party to these killings by continuing to allow US military flights through Shannon and – if reports are to be believed – a permanent US military presence at that airport.

But Ireland’s involvement in this conflict does not stop at Shannon airport. Irish officers are currently working alongside NATO forces in Kabul, colluding in this senseless war in Afghanistan. It is time for us to disengage from this folly and return to our traditional policy of neutrality. To those who disagree, we simply say: “Yes, we can.”

Niall Farrell

PRO

Galway Alliance Against War

Oranmore

Co Galway