Dublin Demonstration : Hands off Lebanon

by Paula Geraghty Tue Aug 01, 2006 13:57

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by Paula Geraghty Tue Aug 01, 2006 14:02

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by Paula geraghty Tue Aug 01, 2006 14:07

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by Paula Geraghty Tue Aug 01, 2006 14:12

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by Paula Geraghty Tue Aug 01, 2006 14:18

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by Query Tue Aug 01, 2006 15:13

Did anyone else notice Kieran Allen of the SWP supporting Hezbollah when he spoke at the demo? He compared Hezbollah and Hamas to the Vietcon! The British SWP paper calls for support for Hezbollah. Would anyone form the SWP like to comment on this and the following Hezbollah statements.

Nasrallah [Hezbollah leader] announced on October 22, 2002: "if they all gather in Israel [Jews], it will save us the trouble of going after them worldwide."
1992 Hezbollah statement, which vowed, "It is an open war until the elimination of Israel and until the death of the last Jew on earth."
Nasrallah said of Jews, "they are a cancer which is liable to spread again at any moment." "There is no solution to the conflict in this region except with the disappearance of Israel."

by Frank P - none Tue Aug 01, 2006 15:25

Query, an anonymous and obvious supporter of Israel's murder campaign, should give some attribution for his "quotes"

by Query Tue Aug 01, 2006 16:06

No Frank I am not a supporter of Israel's campaign against the Lebanon, I was on the demo to oppose the war against the Lebanon. But I am not a supporter of the Hezbollah and I don't think that anti-war activists should be supporting Hezbollah who are reactionary fundamentalists and stand for the destruction of Israel and for setting up an Islamic Fundamentalist regime in Lebanon. I also don't support the Hezbollah bombing and killings Israeli civilians. I think that the question I have raised about Kieran Allen and the SWP is legitimate and the quotes I have given are from Wikipedia.

by Madam K Tue Aug 01, 2006 16:14

Noam Chomsky The Murder of a nation .

Lebanon - Israel Facts the Media Isn't Telling You. Running time 7 mins

by Louise Gaffney Tue Aug 01, 2006 17:14

I was shocked to see Corporation workers pulling down posters for the demonstration. I approached one and he told me he was only doing his job and was "under orders" as he put it. I visit Paris quite frequently and there is no way the municipal authorities would get away with such patently political censorship. Shame on DCC and shame on us for letting them away with it ninety years after 1916.
Louise

by dan - swp Tue Aug 01, 2006 18:21

Against the US-Israeli War on Lebanon

Monday 31 July 2006

1. Israel’s war in Lebanon is the latest stage in the imperialist offensive mounted by the United States and its allies since 11 September 2001. The conquest of Iraq was intended to unleash a process of “regime change” that would remove the obstacles to US domination of the Middle East. Instead, thanks to the resistance in Iraq, the Pentagon finds itself bogged down in a guerrilla war that it cannot win.

The Bush administration has therefore set itself the goal of removing the Islamic Republican regime in Iran, whose influence in Iraq has grown since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. This would reverse the blow to US interests in the Middle East struck by the Iranian Revolution of 1978-9. Israel’s offensive against Hizbollah therefore offers Washington an opportunity to eliminate a powerful anti-imperialist force that has close links with Iran. The complicity of George W Bush and his closest accomplice, Tony Blair, in this war of aggression is shown by the role that the US and Britain have played in blocking the call by the overwhelming majority in the United Nations for an immediate ceasefire.
2. International diplomacy has centred on this call and on the introduction into Lebanon of a multinational “peacekeeping” force to separate the two sides. The latter proposal is very dangerous. Bush and Olmert initially hoped that a multinational force would consolidate Israel’s defeat of Hizbollah. But the stubborn and effective resistance mounted by Hizbollah has made outright military victory for Israel a distant prospect indeed.

In these circumstances, the US and Israel are pressing for a multinational force, perhaps organized by Nato or the European Union, to continue the war against Hizbollah that they are failing to win. Such a force would not be “peacekeepers” but another Western army of occupation alongside those in Iraq and Afghanistan. It must be one of the most urgent tasks of the international radical left to oppose this multinational force. This is especially important in Europe, where several governments, especially the centre-left coalition in Italy, are already negotiating over the basis of such a force.
3. We oppose Israel’s war against Lebanon, out of solidarity with the Lebanese people but also because we are against Bush’s planned attack on Iran. Some on the left combine a similar position with condemnation of Hizbollah for having attacked and captured Israeli soldiers. We strongly disagree with this stance.

As revolutionary socialists we have many ideological differences with Hizbollah, which is an Islamist party. But Hizbollah developed into a national liberation movement with deep roots in the poorest and most oppressed sections of Lebanese society thanks to the successful guerrilla campaign it mounted against the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon during the 1980s and 1990s.

Moreover, Hizbollah initiated its latest action partly to help relieve the Palestinians of Gaza, who have been suffering a particularly brutal Israeli siege. Therefore we are happy to join the Arab masses in expressing our solidarity with the fighters of Hizbollah and our hope is that they succeed in defeating the Israeli assault on Lebanon.
4. As socialists and internationalists we see our main responsibility as rallying mass opposition in our own countries to this war. Around the world here have already been a substantial number of protest actions against Israel’s battering of Lebanon. More and bigger mobilizations will be needed in coming weeks if the bombardment continues. We pledge ourselves to building the widest possible movement against this war.

The basis of this movement must be the unity of all those who oppose the Israeli offensive, irrespective of the many political disagreements that may exist among them about the Middle East and about other issues. This movement must be closely linked to the continuing international campaign against the “war on terrorism” and in particular against the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, a campaign whose capacity for mass mobilization has demonstrated the importance of working on the basis of the broadest possible unity.
5. Israel’s bombardment of Lebanon starkly illustrates the brutality of imperialism and the suffering it daily inflicts on the world. But, like the occupation of Iraq, it also shows that the US and its allies and clients are not omnipotent - they can be defeated. The Lebanese war can advance Washington’s offensive in the region, but it can equally mark a victory for the forces resisting imperialist domination of the Middle East. The internationalist and radical left must throw their weight into the balance to help secure a defeat for imperialism that can weaken the global tyranny of capital.

International Socialist Organization (Australia)
Socialist Workers Party (Britain)
Workers Democracy (Cyprus)
Internationale Socialister (Denmark)
Linksruck (Germany)
Sosialistiko Ergatiko Komma (Greece)
Socialist Workers Party (Ireland)
Internationale Socialisten (Netherlands)
Socialist Worker (New Zealand)
International Socialists (Pakistan)
Pracownicza Demokracja (Poland)
All Together (South Korea)
Workers Democracy (Thailand)
Antikapitalist (Turkey)
Revolutionary Socialist Workers Party (Turkey)
Socialismo Internacional (Uruguay)

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by Michael R. Tue Aug 01, 2006 18:21

Hi Louise,

Yes I totally agree with you about the posters. It is some shame. You cannot blame the workers as they are just doing their job. Dublin City Council passed a by-law 2 years back (estimate) to blockade this under the guise of "environmental" laws. The passing of this law I reckon was definitely provoked by the massively expanding protest movements in Ireland and abroad. E.g. 130,000 people that marched before the Iraq occupation, the largest protest and March in Irish history on the streets. The state has back-lashed against this and banned posters.

I too came across a council worker taking down posters during the day of the event. I felt like saying to him "dismantling democracy eh?" and then just smiling at him.

I think this is a huge blow to protest/political/humanitarian etc. movements right across the country. It is very hard to say how much it is affecting FOR EXAMPLE numbers at protests. If there were 2,000 people there on Sat, I reckon with posters it would have been 3,000 - i.e. 50% more. And there are countless of other knock affects the ban on postering is having.

I would encourage you to contact the Irish Anti War Movement ( www.irishantiwar.org ) who have actively campaigned against this ban - or any other group that are tackling this ban. I partook in one such demonstration outside the Dublin City Council offices. We pub black tape around our mouths etc and an Irish Times photographer took pictures of us. We also handed a letter into Trevor Keegans (the direct city manager behind the ban) office.

I totally agree with your comment that shame on all of us that we are allowing this happen. I do not see groups doing half enough and I have done feck all myself.

This ban must be repealed as a matter of urgency.

ALL groups and individuals must work together to make this happen. NOW.

Kind regards.

by Dan - swp Tue Aug 01, 2006 18:24

following articles can all be found at www.socialistworker.org.uk

Statement against the US-Israeli War on Lebanon

The Socialist Workers Party and other international socialist groups have issued a statement on Israel's attack on Lebanon and why socialists should express solidarity with the fighters of Hizbollah and hope that they succeed in defeating the Israeli assault » more

[updated to 30 July] Map of locations bombed in Lebanon

All the targets hit by the Israeli airforce between 12 and 30 July 2006 » more

Ilan Pappe on how Israel was founded on ethnic cleansing

Acclaimed anti-Zionist historian Ilan Pappe on Israel and the history of it’s destructive role in the Middle East » more

George Galloway: Hizbollah is right to fight Zionist terror

Respect MP George Galloway on the bombing of the King David Hotel and the growth of Hizbollah » more

Lebanon unites in anger at Israel and its allies

Ghassan Makarem, a member of the Samidoun network of grassroots activists in Beirut, spoke to Socialist Worker » more

Tony Cliff on the roots of Israel’s violence

During Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon revolutionary socialist Tony Cliff, who died in 2000, wrote this explanation of why Israel acts in a violent and expansionist way » more

Anger at murders of two Asian men

There were two brutal racist murders last weekend » more

Full contents
Extra online article

» [updated to 30 July] Map of locations bombed in Lebanon

All the targets hit by the Israeli airforce between 12 and 30 July 2006

» [10am Mon 31 July]: Statement against the US-Israeli War on Lebanon

The Socialist Workers Party and other international socialist groups have issued a statement on Israel's attack on Lebanon and why socialists should express solidarity with the fighters of Hizbollah and hope that they succeed in defeating the Israeli assault

» [2.45pm Mon 31 July]: Map of infrastructure bombed in Lebanon

Infrastructure targets destroyed by the Israeli airforce between 12 and 24 July 2006
News

» Stop Israel’s war: solidarity with the resistance

George Bush has given Israel the green light to tear Lebanon asunder and to destroy the resistance forces of Hizbollah

» Lebanon unites in anger at Israel and its allies

Ghassan Makarem, a member of the Samidoun network of grassroots activists in Beirut, spoke to Socialist Worker

» Facts point to an unequal conflict in the Middle East

Five points to help understand Israel's drive to war

» Gaza Strip faces more attacks

The Palestinian people are continuing to resist Israel’s onslaught on the Gaza Strip

» Repression on the West Bank

The Israeli assault is not just taking place in the Gaza Strip

» Arab regimes betray masses

Israel’s president Moshe Katsav says of the Arab states “they do not stand behind us, but they do understand why we could not allow Hizbollah to shed our blood”

» Protests in solidarity with Lebanon across the country

Last Saturday saw demonstrations against Israel's aggression right across the Britain

» Middle East crisis - read the truth on the web

Around the world people are disgusted by the bias in the mainstream media’s coverage of the Middle East

» Does Israel want peace?

The Middle East crisis stems in part from Israel’s determination to destroy Palestine’s democratically elected Hamas government

» Anger at murders of two Asian men

by hmmz Wed Aug 02, 2006 13:37

It only took Jordan less than three weeks to kill more moslems than all of those killed during 60 years of war against Israel. (Black September)

Not to be bested, Assad killed more moslems in two weeks than Jordan ever dreamed of. (Hama)

I love those quotes because they are rarely quoted and they are just so true

by John Kelly - CFSD Wed Aug 02, 2006 17:44

Hi Louise and Michael and all out there concerned about the violation of our constitutional and baseline civil rights, ie the violation of the right to communicate information of public concern to our fellow citizens, by unelected civil servants of Dublin City Council. I would just like to clarify two points.

Following a sustained campaign by concerned citizens, DCC councillors debated a motion and voted to overturn the ban on notices of public meetings and assembly in Dublin. This happened at a special meeting of DCC on May,22,2006.

Michael referred to a "bye law" having been passed approx 2 years ago. Yes and I was told the same by some councillors and it was even in four daily newspapers FEB 22, 2006. There you go "it was in the paper" indeed, except that when we went to ferret out this grisly bye law ,to study it and hold it up to the light of the Constitution, we found out lo and behold ! there never was any "bye law." It was all a lie put out by uncivil servants of DCC and indeed swallowed by the press and the councillors. Fear not, even the City Manager confirmed in writing that there never was such a bye law. There was never any rush to the papers to tell the truth either.

Bottom line now is that on May 22,2006, the ban was lifted so we should be writing to our councillors, asking them to instruct the city manager to instruct his employees to act accordingly., ie, in line with the Constitution and with DCC policy.

by Seán Ryan Wed Aug 02, 2006 18:36

Check out the first photo in this article - the picture of the inside of the handcart.

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/77547

by Cathal B Thu Aug 03, 2006 21:55

I was on the march too and I thought Kieran Allen's comments were absolutely shameful. You can utterly condemn the treatment of the Palestinians by Israel and the current bombing of civilians in Lebanon without cheerleading for Intifada like Boyd Barrett.

Kieran Allen's comments were disgraceful. What type of socialists support anti-semitic, right wing terrorism that calls for the indiscriminate bombing of civilians.

The SWP never cease to amaze me at the levels they will sink to wether it's pro partnership or pro Islamic terrorism.

Cop yourselves on or at least drop the pretence of being socialists, you're doing the rest of the movement harm.

by suicide bomber Fri Aug 04, 2006 10:12

Kieran Allen's comments were disgraceful. What type of socialists support anti-semitic, right wing terrorism that calls for the indiscriminate bombing of civilians.

No surprise there, the Antiwar movement can gather no speed in Ireland because it is full of people hijacking it to lace into Israel(fair enough), but then they glorify suicide bombers and rockets that target Israelis.

noone will ever take a movement that is pure bias seriously.

All credability was lost long ago, and its a real shame. seems if you are antiwar in Ireland--any war, you also have to be anti USA, anti west ,and anti Israel

thats why there is no support
Kick out the retards using it s a platform to preach hate

by lol Fri Aug 04, 2006 11:31

Kieran Allen's comments were disgraceful. What type of socialists support anti-semitic, right wing terrorism that calls for the indiscriminate bombing of civilians.

a kinda guy that publishes this kinda thrash?

by Davy Carlin Fri Aug 04, 2006 12:44

What were Kieran Allens comments', and also is it true that the SWP are giving 'unconditional support to Hezbollah - and did he in fact 'compare Hezbollah and Hamas to the Vietcon'?

Once again, I think the SWP are wrong on a number of points, this time re -above - if true -and will have an article up in the Blanket soon in regard to the Middle East.

In the meantime I urge activists to support and initiate any protests on Tues 8th against this on going slaughter.

.

by Harry H - none Fri Aug 04, 2006 16:35

Counterpunch.org reports that the bombing of civilians in Lebanon has had the effect of 'prompting the Maronite Catholic patriarch - the spiritual leader of the most pro-Western populace - to assemble Lebanon's religious leaders -- Shiite and Sunni Muslims and various Christian confessions. The group issued a joint statement of solidarity, condemning the Israeli "aggression" and hailing "the resistance, mainly led by Hezbollah, which represents one of the sections of society." '
While some of you wring your hands and complain, I agree with the Lebanese and Kieran Allan

by Orla T Tue Aug 08, 2006 18:57

Photographs

by foto fan Wed Aug 09, 2006 12:29

continue..

by Dermot Lacey Wed Aug 09, 2006 13:16

Various Posters to this site are correct in their opposition to the "Ban" imposed by the Officials of Dublin City Council. It was NEVER endorsed by the elected Councillors.

In response to various requests I have tabled the following motion for the September meeting of the City Council.

"This Council calls for a full report on the implementation of the motion adopted by the City Council at the City Council meeting of May 22nd in relation to the erection of posters advertising political/community events/meetings. Specifically this Council calls on the Manager to explain why instructions continue to be issued to Council staff to remove such posters in direct defiance of the policy decision taken by the elected Council."

by Chris Murray - The Unmanageables Wed Aug 09, 2006 14:45

The opposition within the British Labour Party to Tony Blair's policy
of beligerence in the middle -east has reached a crescendo, cross-party
unity has prompted a re-call of parliament to question the prime-minister on
this policy.

This does not happen in ireland. it is not simply an issue of posters. It is an issue
of opposition to War .

Cllr Lacey: are the Labour Party going to demand that the Taoiseach condemn the
war in the Lebanon. has the Labour Party spoken with other opposition parties
about government silence on U.S/U.K foreign policy. or do we have to wait until
September for that too?

Understanding mandate and democracy is important. We do not want this war
the silence from the government and the opposition is shameful.

by Dermot Lacey Wed Aug 09, 2006 15:14

Chris,

My posting was not meant to be a comprehensive statement on the appaling events in the Lebanon. Quite honestly I do not claim any expertise in International Affairs and so while in a general and specific way I support the Anti War campaign I do not have sufficient knowledge to add comments in that regard.
Labour Party policy has been quite expressly stated by Party President and Foreign Affiairs Spokesperson Michael D Higgins and my colleague on the City Council and Deputy Lord Mayor fo Dublin Aodhan O'Riordain at numerous events and rallies against the war.

In relation to my motion on the Poster Ban it must wait until September as the Council does not meet in August.

by Dermot Lacey Wed Aug 09, 2006 15:15

Chris,

My posting was not meant to be a comprehensive statement on the appaling events in the Lebanon. Quite honestly I do not claim any expertise in International Affairs and so while in a general and specific way I support the Anti War campaign I do not have sufficient knowledge to add comments in that regard.
Labour Party policy has been quite expressly stated by Party President and Foreign Affiairs Spokesperson Michael D Higgins and my colleague on the City Council and Deputy Lord Mayor fo Dublin Aodhan O'Riordain at numerous events and rallies against the war.

In relation to my motion on the Poster Ban it must wait until September as the Council does not meet in August.

by Chris Murray - The Unmanageables Wed Aug 09, 2006 15:31

Claim any expertise on the events in the Lebanon. But I do Know that there is
a wrongness about them that is causing ructions in Westminister and not
here.

Is it possible for the opposition to demand a re-call of the Dail and force a
statement of condemnation from Bertie?

The Taoiseach has not condemned the war -12/07/06 -9/08/06.