The Stop the War conference was attended by over 500 delegates who agreed a series of events into the New Year to keep opposition against the war and occupation of and Afghanistan, as well as against any attack on Iran, high on the political agenda in Britain.
Naturally the threat of an attack on Iran dominated the conference (see separate article), but the quagmire into which Britain and the USA are sinking in Iraq was extensively described by the Guardian's Seamus Milne.
He described how the resistance is developing a new political face involving Islamist groups who ae united in their opposition to
attacks civilians and recognising occupanon insulunons.
Phil Shiner, lawyer of the year, reported on his work exposing torture by British troops. He explained how Tory Prime Minister Ted Heath had banned the hooding of prisoners in 1972 after Britain was found guilty of degrading and
of republican prisonels.
Shiner believes that civilians are dying in military custody in Iraq. Despite offering to provide the evidence to the government, no minister has responded. The arrogant and brutal racism of the armed forces is allowed to go unchallenged.
Iraqi journalist Sami Ramidani explained how the US military are planning a long term future in the country with the construction of 14 bases, 6 of which will be the largest in the world. Six years after the launch Coalition following the terrorist outrage of 9/11, many sceptics have been surprised by its staying power, unity and breadth of support. It still has the affiliation of almost all the major unions, left Labour MPs, the Green Party, and the British Muslim Initiative. The SWP put forward a welcome resolution for the Coalition to regenerate local groups, some of which have become dormant, with a routine of regular public activities and meetings for SUDDULLCIS. L HE VAI
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