Get the troops out now
WORKERS, MAY 2006 ISSUE
The current big lie about Iraq is that the war is being ended. But Blair will not willingly withdraw British forces because to do so would be to admit that the war was in vain.
Blair tries to soften opposition by continu-ally saying he is on his way out. Similarly he tries to reduce opposition to the war by saying that the troops are about to be withdrawn.
But always this promised withdrawal is conditional, dependent on certain changes being achieved in Iraqi society – democracy, security, stability, a properly functioning state, an independent government and an end to terrorism. Making withdrawal depend on achievements not within their control perpetuates the occupation. When withdrawal is contingent, every event may cause a veto. The government's policy promises not an end to the war but its indefinite continuation.
Our class must demand an immediate end to British occupation of Iraq and the complete withdrawal of all British forces.