The following is an archived copy of a message sent to the CASI Analysis List run by Cambridge Solidarity with Iraq.
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[ This message has been sent to you via the CASI-analysis mailing list ] I read Dirk Adrieansens account of the outrage against the IFTU at last weekend's ESF. I hope my comments on the matter are useful. When Sadam Hussein's regime fell, there was no effective independent state of Iraq left, because Iraq had been ruled by the Baathist for so long. The US and UK had to organise the functions of the state which were necessary for Iraq. As to date, they appear not to have created sufficient civic society to run Iraq properly as a normal state would. It is obvious that only those that support the occupation of Iraq are allowed to 'participate' in running Iraq. In the mean time the resistance to the occupation grows. For sure the US will never be able to create an Iraqi state that is wholly compliant. The longer the occupation continues, the more unstable Iraq becomes, and the more support for the resistance will grow , not just in Iraq, but in other countries too, not least the Arab states. The state of Iraq in the civic sense must be rebuilt, whatever the circumstances, because nation building is an ongoing and evolving process. If there is lack of democracy in organisations set up by the occupying powers, than the obvious tactic is to pressure for democracy within those institutions, and to build alternatives societies, if necessary, undeground organisations. We can all participate in putting pressures on those with power in Iraq to make them more democratic, more participatory, more open, etc etc. This sort of activity is good for Iraq, which has not enjoyed open democratic institutions. I am reminded of the struggle against apartheid. There were outlawed organisations, and also organisations which engaged in civic struggle, like COSATU. Understandably, the resistance to occupation will be primarily para military. But the more civic society grows, the better for the independence of Iraq and democracy in Iraq. After all, even under Sadam Hussein, it was the Iraqis who worked as police, teachers, engineers, workers, soldiers, farmers, doctors, etc etc. What the trade unions can do in this country is to continue highlighting the human rights abuses and slaughter happening in Iraq, and also to support the just and free demands of the both organised and unorganised workers in Iraq.....eg health and safety, wages and conditions, women's rights, etc etc etc. These struggles are important for the future of Iraq. Socialism in Iraq won't emerge spontaneously, but as a result of the anti imperialist struggle and the civic struggles of the Iraqi people. I am sure that if any Iraqi gets rich as a result of the occupation, it won't be the workers and farmers. Such demands and campaigns will invariably become a serious problem for US corporations and occupation, if they have widespread support within Iraq. I have faith in the Iraqis to govern themselves democratically. It is important for them to keep their morale high and to keep believing in themselves however hard things get. Lila Patel, member of the Transport and General Workers Union. _______________________________________ Sent via the CASI-analysis mailing list To unsubscribe, visit http://lists.casi.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/casi-analysis All postings are archived on CASI's website at http://www.casi.org.uk