The following is an archived copy of a message sent to a Discussion List run by the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
Views expressed in this archived message are those of the author, not of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
[Main archive index/search] [List information] [Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq Homepage]
Dear Tony As far as I'm aware, the INC has always supported the NFZs & "safe havens" policy, on the grounds of the protection it has afforded their activities in Iraq -- see their statement of "general principles" at: <http://www.inc.org.uk/English/inc/principals.htm> particularly the section on SCR 688. This has always (as far as I know) been coupled with ambiguity on sanctions, geared towards their particular audience. They call for alleviation of sanctions, whilst refusing to say what is needed beyond oil-for-food (which they defend). Most of the time, their statements sound like something straight out of the State Department. See their statement at: <http://209.50.252.70/English/inc/issue_4.htm> Please correct me if I've missed more direct or critical statements of theirs. The chap I think you were referring to is Sharif Ali bin al-Husayn, who's the current spokesman. The statement is reported in "Iraqi opposition backs strikes" at: <http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk/newsid_1174000/1174759.stm> Best Glen. On Sun, 18 Feb 2001, Tony D wrote: > > After the news of the bombing of Iraq, and the civilian casualties and deaths, there was an >interview with a man claiming to represent the "official" Iraqi "opposition" based in London. >This man (Ali ?, possibly Ahmed Chalabi), said that they supported the bombing and the policing of >the "no-fly" zones by the US and British military, and that it was all Saddam's fault, etc etc. > > If someone calling themselves the official Iraqi opposition is going publicly to support these >bombings, and possibly even > the sanctions, then this is a massively negative development. > > Could anyone talk to these people in London, or, if unsuccessful, at least explain to the rest of >the world what their motivation may be? Apparently Chalabi is a huge crook who was sentenced in >absentia in Jordan to 34 years > hard labour. > > It is of concern that any good that comes out of publicizing the US/British war on Iraq may be >overshadowed by this "official" group, saying "Don't worry, we support the bombings and the >sanctions." Other people may, of course, think there's nothing to worry about. > Glen Rangwala Faculty of Social and Political Sciences Free School Lane Cambridge CB2 3RQ UK Tel: 44 (0)1223 334535 Fax (shared): 44 (0)1223 334550 Home tel: 44 (0)1223 515183 -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a discussion list run by the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq For removal from list, email soc-casi-discuss-request@lists.cam.ac.uk Full details of CASI's various lists can be found on the CASI website: http://www.casi.org.uk