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Hello. Glenn here. This month's Amnesty magazine (March/April) has a letter concerning sanctions that some of you may like to reply to. It follows an article a few months ago reviewing Anthony Arnove's book and a follow up letter highlighting the suffering caused by sanctions. Replies to journal@amnesty.org.uk They ask that you keep letters to under 150 words (!) and include an address and telephone no. (the letter we're replying to is 200 words). I have sent a reply, but due to lack of space neglected the bit on the end about 30 years of South Africa sanctions. Here's the text: ---------------------------------------- "It is good that AI is revieing its position on economic sanctions. However, your article (AMNESTY November) and subsequent letter were both one-sided. It is true that one consequence of sanctions is that food and medical supplies are scarce. But remember, Iraq has denied its people the food and medical supplies which may be purchased under the 'food for oil' arrangements largely so it can be seen as a martyr. "Opponents of sanctions have yet to voice a coherent argument for what should replace them. The nations clamouring for the removal of sanctions tend to have a vested interest. Russian and French weapons are both in the Iraq arsenal and unquestionably will be in the future. "Iraq has used chemical weapons against its own people and remains belligerent and bellicose towrds its neighbours. Most of the bombing took place in the north in support of the Kurdish minority. Iraq is also destroying the Marsh arabs in the south. How will it behave if it 'wins' the sanctions issue? "People do suffer through sanctions. But sustained sanctions can change much. It took 30 years to pull the old South African regime around, but most modern historians believe sanctions was primary [sic] engine of that change." ----------------------------------------------- Another 20 years of Iraq sanctions anyone? CHeers, Glenn. -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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