Anti-war activists around the country have quickly mobilised to oppose another US-led war against Iraq. Anti-war coalitions have been formed in many cities, and pickets and protests have been organised.
In Melbourne, reports Ben Reid, 300 people gathered in Bourke Street Mall to oppose US aggression against Iraq. The protest was called by the Democratic Socialist Party and Resistance.
Jorge Jorquera, from the DSP, called on the Australian government to reverse its decision to send troops and support the US: "Australia has no business being involved in this outrageous act of aggression. It is hypocrisy for the US to continue to victimise Iraq for these alleged weapons breaches."
Hasan Yakal from the Turkish and Kurdish community spoke of the role of the US when chemical weapons were used by Iraq against Kurdish peoples in the country's north: "At that time, the US was silent about that atrocity. The US has other motives for launching this attack." Members of the Australian Democrats and the Victorian Greens also spoke.
On February 13, 50 people gathered in Brisbane's Queen Street Mall for a speak-out against a new Gulf War. Bill Mason reports that speakers condemned US plans to attack Iraq and opposed the Howard government's commitment to provide military support.
Representatives from the DSP, Resistance, International Socialist Organisation (ISO), Catholic Worker, Committee in Solidarity with Latin America and the Caribbean, and a number of individual activists spoke strongly.
Speak-out chairperson Jim McIlroy urged those present "to get the word out that a new anti-war movement has to be built from now". Participants agreed that another rally would be held in the mall at 5pm on the day an attack on Iraq is launched.
In Adelaide, on February 11, the Gulf Peace Action Committee was formed. The meeting was initiated by Philip White from Friends of the Earth and attended by groups including Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, Women's Electoral Lobby, the DSP, the Peace Committee and Resistance.
The group decided that in the event of a US strike against Iraq, a protest will be held at 5pm that day at Parliament House. To get involved in the GPAC, phone Mike on 8237 9114, Philip on 8362 7511 or e-mail Resistance held a speak-out and stall in Rundle Mall on February 13, collecting signatures for a petition against sanctions on Iraq. Young people signed a postcard to John Howard opposing Australian participation in the impending war.
As the federal cabinet voted to join the US aggression against Iraq on February 10, Chris Spindler reports from Canberra, the Democratic Socialists and Resistance called a demonstration outside Parliament House. At very short notice, 30 spirited and vocal people heard Michael Denborough, from Physicians for Nuclear Disarmament, local activists Gareth Smith and Yvonne Francis, Democratic Socialist candidates Sue Bull and Tim Gooden, and members of Resistance and the ISO.
On February 13, 100 people joined a speak-out against US and Australian war plans. The Coalition Against the Gulf War has been launched. The coalition has called a protest in Garema Place at 5pm on the day of a US attack on Iraq. The coalition meets every Monday, 7pm at the Bridge, ANU Bar. For information call Nikki or Justine on 6247 2424.
In Perth, 80 people protested in the Murray Street Mall at short notice on February 13. The protesters heard speeches from peace activist Sister Veronica Brady, Mohammad Israam from the Muslim Community Service, Iggy Kim from the DSP and Jo Vallentine from the Greens WA.
All speakers condemned the US and its allies for moving to use military force against Iraq, pointing out that it will be the people of Iraq who will be hurt.
In Sydney, around 200 people protested outside the US consulate in Martin Place on February 13. Speakers on the open megaphone described the terrible cost of the 1991 war and the seven-year economic blockade against Iraq, and the United States' real interests in the Middle East — the control of oil and oil prices.
Defying police, a section of the crowd then marched a short distance to John Howard's city office, briefly occupying the building foyer and footpath outside before dispersing, vowing to return. Two more demonstrations have been called, on February 18 and 21. See calendar for details.