Loose cannons

Issue 

The New Russia

"A poll, coinciding with Friday's 86th anniversary of the revolution that brought Vladimir Lenin to power, found that 42 percent of Russians would support or cooperate with the Bolsheviks if the revolt happened today, compared to just 10 percent who said they would fight them. The anniversary these days is officially celebrated as the Day of Accord and Reconciliation." — Washington Post, November 8.

Operation Iraqi Freedom

"This man has been detained for making anti-coalition statements." — Comment by US commanding officer to Reuters news agency, November 11, when asked why US soldiers in Baghdad had handcuffed and firmly wrapped masking tape around an Iraqi man's mouth after they arrested him.

They put him in, they took him out

"The US-backed mayor of the Shiite-populated Baghdad district of Sadr City has been shot dead in an altercation with American troops." — Sydney Morning Herald, November 12.

Black Hawk down effect

"More Iraqis are 'flooding to the ranks of the guerrillas'. Many of these Iraqis are Sunnis who had previously been 'on the sidelines' but now believe they can 'inflict bodily harm' on the Americans." — November 12 CNN report on a leaked memo from the CIA's station chief in Baghdad.

From Green Left Weekly, November 19, 2003.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.