Anti-war activists have refused to be silenced or intimidated in the wake of the September 9 bombing of the Australian embassy in Jakarta. It is crucial for the anti-war movement to remain steadfast in its vocal and determined opposition to the brutal and unjust occupation of Iraq.
The appalling and counterproductive terrorist attack in Jakarta on September 9, which killed at least nine civilians and injured more than 180 others, should be condemned. But the cycle of terror can only be ended by addressing its causes — the poverty, war, repression and desperation forced on the majority of the world’s people.
The “war on terror” is only serving to increase terrorism and extend the suffering of millions, including Arab, Muslim and other people in the West who are being subjected to the massive crackdown on civil liberties.
The Jakarta bombing can only strengthen our resolve to put an end to the “war on terror”, starting with the brutal occupation of Iraq, which has already claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Iraqi people.
We should follow the example of the Spanish people, who in March forced an end to their government’s participation in the “coalition of the killing” in Iraq. It’s time to kick out the warmongering Coalition government and force the withdrawal of Australian troops from Iraq.
Not only must we kick Howard out of office in the October 9 federal election, but we must make it impossible for future federal governments, whether Coalition or Labor, to carry out such brutal wars in our name again.
Green Left Weekly urges all readers to join the national “End the lies” rallies on the October 2-3 weekend and the September 26 protest at the Liberal Party campaign launch in Brisbane (see the Activist Calendar on page 23 for details) to demand “Troops out now!”
From Green Left Weekly, September 15, 2004.
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