Cut off support for Iraqi occupation

ON March 20 last year, George W Bush sent his army into Iraq, allegedly in search of weapons of mass destruction, using the catch-cries of ‘human rights,’ ‘freedom’ and ‘democracy.’

It was a crude attempt to obscure the imperialist character of his action, and across the world many millions of people saw his warmongering for what it was and marched in protest.

In Ireland there were large anti-war demonstrations at Shannon airport and in urban centres throughout the country. The largest protest, on February 15, brought more than 100,000 people onto the streets of Dublin.

However, Fianna Fáil and the PDs adopted a rigid position, ignored the temper of the country, and continued to facilitate the US war machine at Shannon airport. Fourteen months later, the infamous weapons of mass destruction remain elusive and the utter brutality of the US occupation is exposed. More than 800 Iraqi men, women and children (the equivalent of four Madrid bombings) have died during the American attack on Falluja, while prisoners have been subjected to torture, systematic humiliation and sickening sexual abuse. On every level, what is happening is morally reprehensible.

Nonetheless, Shannon airport remains integrated into the US war machine with thousands of soldiers and their weapons passing through on a monthly basis.

In March alone, according to Aer Rianta figures, 16,697 troops on 161 flights moved through Shannon.

Our Government is playing a significant role in the occupation of Iraq and consequently must accept some of the blame for what is occurring in that tragic country. Anti-War Ireland, a national alliance of anti-war groups, is organising a demonstration to ‘greet’ President Bush when he arrives at Shannon airport on Friday, June 25, to indicate the depth of Irish opposition to his warmongering.

That demonstration will also highlight the misuse of Shannon airport and in that sense it will be an explicitly anti-government protest. Fianna Fáil and the PDs must be held to account for what they are doing.

It is not acceptable for the Government to carry on supporting the US war machine despite the recent revelations and despite the anti-war sentiment that pervades this country.

Shannon airport should be closed immediately to US military traffic. It is clear that such a gesture would be supported by the majority of people in this state and would send a strong message to the Bush administration about their recent actions in Iraq.

Dr Fintan Lane,

Convenor,

Anti-War Ireland,

2B, Miller’s Court,

Cork.