International Anti War Conference

by MichaelY - iawm Thu Sep 13, 2007 15:32

Further to the names above, it is now confirmed that Patricia McKenna will replace Carol Fox as a PANA speaker in the session 'The Militarisation of Europe and irish Neutrality.. We are also proud to confirm Harry Browne of AWI and well known journalist/lecturer as a speaker in the Media, Islamophobia and the War on Terror section. Finally we have just heard that Ibrahim Mussawi from Al Manar TV (Hezbollah) in Beirut will be joining Michel Samaha in the session Democracy and Resistance in the Middle East.

For more speakers watch this space

Contact Information www.antiwar.,org
Tickets (€10) available online through treasurer@irishantiwar.org or at the door

On the streets again

by redjade Thu Sep 13, 2007 16:30

Michael,

Can you put out a call to the IAWMers to make mp3 recordings of the speeches w/ Q&A and have them uploaded to indymedia.ie (or some server that can then be linked to)?

I would certainly like to download some of the recordings for my own listening and it would help get the message of what is happening at Shannon to the rest of the world.

If you or the IAWMers need help with uploading or formating the audio correctly, please contact the IMC-Ireland list for help. ( http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/listinfo/imc-ireland )

by MichaelY - iawm Thu Sep 13, 2007 16:51

Hi redjade,

Only this morning we contacted a couple of organisations with a view to video (and tape) the whole conference so that the speeches and the Q&As become available. Also to note that anti-war militants in both Galway and Derry are proposing to have a follow-up session on the Sunday October 14th with some of the international speakers travelling there
Watch this space for more details as they become available..

Thanks for the suggestion and any ideas and contacts to that end would be extremely welcome. In fact, as I am thinking about it, it would perhaps be a great idea to have all our international guests in a Press Conference format on the Friday 12th October and tape that as well.
Any volunteers?

by Space Cowboy Thu Sep 13, 2007 16:52

Qusay Abdul-Wahab is an Islamist and erstwhile follower of al-Sadr who wants to turn Iraq into an Islamic State under the rule of the Sharia. He had a falling out with Sadr because of his (Qusays) meeting with US Generals.

Exactly whose side is Qusay on?

by Space Cowboy Thu Sep 13, 2007 17:11

Michel Smaha is a former Cabinet Minister, posts held by him include the Orwellian Minister for Information. He supported undemocratic extensions of President Lahouds term of office. Hes in the pocket of the Syrians. Who does this guy speak for?

by MichaelY - iawm Thu Sep 13, 2007 17:30

I can see some supportive statements about what the iawm is trying to do with this Conference have already started coming in. Thank you.
In response to the space cadet above, both Dr Qusay Al Suhail and Michel Samaha are elected members of Parliament in their respective countries. Which in plain language means that some people, some Iraqis and some Christian Lebanese, have voted for them. I suppose they will speak on behalf of their constituents.
I don't know about you good friend but I have never heard an Iraqi MP, a member of the opposition, a man who has worked tirelessly in a campaign against water contamination by the illegal war and occupation effecting children speak....Neither have I heard a Christian Lebanese member of the opposition speak at a meeting in Ireland. Have you?

Of course, if you, and your friends/mates, do have political questions, come over to the Conference and speak out....

One last minute confirmation: As John Bolton was telling us on Sky last night that "diplomatic efforts with Iran have failed" and that the US has to now "consider the military option seriously", we hear we're going to have an Iranian anti war activist, Roudabeh Shafie come over and join our guests.

by pat c Thu Sep 13, 2007 17:37

for a moment there i thought you were going to say bolton was attending! it'll be good to have Roudabeh Shafie at the conference. there should be some iranian socialists present who disagrees with his stance on iran.

by MichaelY - iawm Thu Sep 13, 2007 17:42

Pat,

Debate is what the Conference is about - so no harm if some Iranian comrades have a different analysis or point of view. Incidentally, unless I am mistaken, Roudabeh is a real woman - a lady and a very good activist I am told. Lol.

by MichaelY - iawm Sat Sep 15, 2007 13:19

Friends and comrades in Galway (GAAW) and Derry tell us they will host international anti war events on Saturday October 14th.
Check this space for more details

by pat c Mon Sep 17, 2007 18:10

Michael

you gave http://www.antiwar.org/ as the site. for info on the conference. Pat Buchanan writes for this site!

I think perhaps you meant: http://www.irishantiwar.org/

by MichaelY - iawm Tue Sep 18, 2007 09:37

Silly mistake - corrected at latest draft of leaflet now being printed.
Thanks for the note Pat

by R.I.P. Wed Sep 19, 2007 09:37

http://www.veteransforpeace.org/Memorial_david_cline.vp....html

by MichaelY - iawm Sun Sep 23, 2007 16:49

Jim Cusack has a most interesting piece in today's Sunday Indo, quoting unnamed sources according to which "...the United States has called on the (Irish) Governmen to rfuse entry to representatives of the Lebanese terror group,Hezbollah and Iraqi insurgents who have been invited to take part in a conference iun Dublin...organised by the Irish Anti War Movement....!

http://www.independent.ie/world-news/north-america/upro....html

The article continues " The fact that Fianna Fail's partners in government are participating in the event could lead to diplomatic problems with the US whose comapnies based here employed more than 100,000 people!! This is, of course, a reference to Dan Boyle agreeing to debate the issue of Shannon with a number of other Dail members.

In another interesting bit, Cusack writes that Fine Gael TD Alan Shatter would be seeking a meeting with Brian Lenihan to petition him to deny entry to both Ibrahim Mussawi of Al Manar and the Iraqi MP Dr Qusay Al Suhail......

The fact that the Conference has been called and is going ahead must have scared a few heads.....

The way the wind is blowing

by MichaelY - iawm Tue Sep 25, 2007 14:55

IRISH ANTI-WAR MOVEMENT

Press Release – September 25th

In a statement the Irish Anti-War Movement has said that it is alarmed by a report by Jim Cusack in last Sunday's Sunday Independent that the US government and Fine Gael politician, Alan Shatter, were putting pressure on the Irish government to refuse visas to a number of speakers invited to speak at a conference in Dublin on October 13th. The article quoted both an unnamed US government spokesperson and Alan Shatter appealing to the Irish government to refuse entry to Ibrahim Moussawi of Al-Manar TV in Lebanon and Dr Qusay Abdulawahab Al-Suhail, an Iraqi MP.

The IAWM believe that, if the report is accurate, the interventions of both the US government and deputy Shatter represent a very worrying effort to curtail open public debate in this country about matters of international importance.

In relation to Dr Qusay Abdulwahab Al-Suhail, the IAWM called on the Irish government to resist pressure from any source to prevent an elected member of the Iraqi parliament entering this country to talk about the plight of the Iraqi people under the US-led occupation of their country.

In relation to Ibrahim Moussawi, the IAWM pointed out that Mr Mousssawi had visited this country already in the last year to speak at another IAWM event, during which time he had met with officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs to brief them on the situation in Lebanon, where Irish troops were about to be deployed.

It is very alarming that the US government or an Irish politician should attempt to suppress free public debate in this country. If this report is true, it amounts to a disgraceful attempt to deny the Irish public access to important information about the plight and suffering of the Iraqi, Lebanese people and Palestinian people, about which they have a right to know.

Attempts by the US government or Alan Shatter to label certain people “terrorists” are pretty ironic considering they are very happy to stand over and justify the terrible atrocities committed by the US government against the Iraqi people or those committed by the Israeli regime against both the Lebanese and Palestinian people over recent years. If the US and Israel are both allowed to have embassies in this country and officials and politicians from both these countries can enter this country freely all the time, surely representatives of their victims have just as much right to come here and give their side of the story.

We would also like to point out that an invitation from the Irish Anti-War Movement to speak at one of our events does not necessarily indicate support for that person's or organization's view-point. While the Irish Anti-War Movement has very definite views on issues such as the Iraq war and the situations in Lebanon and Palestine, we have endeavoured to give a platform to a wide range of differing views at our events. In recent times, we have held debates on these issues with speakers from the US embassy and other prominent supporters of US foreign policy. We have also invited representatives of the Israeli embassy to address previous events but these invitations were refused.

It maybe says something about the US and Israeli view of freedom and democracy, which we hear so much about when they are justifying their military aggression, that they only want freedom for people and view points that don’t conflict with their own. It is particularly ironic that the supposed defenders of “freedom” and “democracy” should try and suppress the view-point of a democratically elected representative of the Iraqi people or a member of an organization that enjoys huge popular and electoral support among the Lebanese people. The Irish public can make their own judgment about the consistency of such morality.

We are calling on the Irish government to ignore the appeals of the US government and Alan Shatter, and allow entry to this country to people who have legitimate view-point, about which the Irish people have right to hear.”

For full text of October 13 conference programme see: www.irishantiwar.org

by PaddyK Tue Sep 25, 2007 23:11

Hear Hear MichaelY,

Good response, nicely measured.

I read the article and alarm bells were ringing immeidately when Cusack ignorantly asserted that the bombardment was in response to Hezbollah rockets. The guy didnt even get his establishment propaganda line right when he said this. The thoroughly discredited and subsequentlty discarded Establishment propaganda line was that the bombardment was in response to the Capture of Israeli soldiers. Not rockets.
It's a pretty good indicator of what to do with the remainder of the unfortunate waste of perfectly good paper.

Unless you just ran out of loo roll , bin it.

Hope to make it to the Conference, keep up the sterling work.

by FJB Tue Oct 02, 2007 12:48 nospam123 at mac dot com

Hi - I'd dearly like to attend the October 13th event but will be away. However I will provide for free the facility to stream the event afterwards to allow it be seen again - obviously benefitting myself (!) and others who may not be able to attend. Or just post it on youtube!

Thanks
Feargal

by MichaelY - iawm Tue Oct 02, 2007 13:07

Excellent analysis on what the Bush Admin, Dubya himself and especially Cheney are planning on Iran.
Particularly useful for those who think that fears of a conventional or even a limited nuke attack on Iran is 'conspiracy stuff' of a few 'enflamed imaginations'.

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2007/10/08/071008fa_...hersh

by Felix Quigley Tue Oct 02, 2007 15:46

The Irish Palestine Solidarity Group I consider an antisemitic organization and its attacks on Israel are really a cover for antisemitism.

Some months ago you Mr Youlton were signing yourself a spokesman for the IPSG so simple question, are you a member?

by Felix Quigley Tue Oct 02, 2007 16:09

Above Mr Youlton of the IPSG makes this reference to a notorious antisemite

"Finally we have just heard that Ibrahim Mussawi from Al Manar TV (Hezbollah) in Beirut will be joining Michel Samaha in the session Democracy and Resistance in the Middle East.

Al Manar TV is notorious for its antisemitism and this man is closely connected of course.

So are you Mr Youlton for inviting same and publicing this antisemitic organization in Ireland under cover of opposing the Iraq war.

Not long ago Al Manar TV published an antisemitic television serial in which the following scene occurred. It was recreating the horrific Catholic Church adopted by the Islamofascist Blood Libel.

The transcript went like this:

"[Al Manar transcript starts here]

Title: Jews take blood from Christian child for Passover matzo.

Scene I: Two men talking.

Rabbi (speaking to a young man seated next to him) : We have a task from the leadership. We need the blood of a Christian child before Passover for matzo.

Scene II: Dimly lit hallway. Rabbi with young man behind him. A third man enters dragging a child.

Christian child: Nathan save me!

Nathan: Don't be afraid.

Rabbi nods to the young man who nods to Nathan. Nathan forces the child down onto the floor and cuts his throat. Someone catches the blood in a bowl.

Scene III: Rabbi and young man standing, eating matzo. While chewing they nod to one another as if to say, "We have done what we need to do. Now we have our reward."

[Al Manar transcript ends here]

This is what indirectly the horrific NeoLeft in Ireland is now associating itself with.

Mr Youlton you really should be ashamed of yourself. Somehow I doubt it though.

I personally am totally opposed the the NeoCon and Imperialist wars in Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Iraq. I am however also bitterly opposed to antisemitism.

So Mr Youlton what is the connection between your membership of the antisemitic IPSG and your promotion of this horrific Al Manar through Moussawi?

by Felix Quigley Tue Oct 02, 2007 16:31

Can Mr Youlton give readers more information on the politics of Mr Moussawi and the Al Manar TV station and its relationship to Hezbollaw since he has introduced his name approvingly on Indymedia Ireland.

My understanding is that Hezbollah and therefore Moussawi are closely connected together in the campaign to destroy Israel.

What is the exact relationship between Hezbollah and the notorious antisemitic dwarf President who leads the Islamofascists in Iran? Who has repeadedly called for the destruction of Israel, as in his speech at Columbia University last week, on September 20.

So therefore in inviting people like this, Mr Youlton , are you also associating witht the antisemitic campaign to destroy Israel as a Jewish state.

If so come out and clearly say so. That would be a more honest and actually a more healthy thing to do!

Is this man part of the Nasrullah doctrine which was put forward by Nasrullah as reported by Agence France Press in 2000:

""You have to move from the stone-throwing Intifada to the phase of real Jihad (holy war) operations," the bearded sheikh told thousands at a Hezbollah "rally in solidarity with the Palestinian people" in Beirut's southern suburbs.

Nasrallah, offering the Palestinians "detailed proposals ... for a developed strategy," told them to "save the bullets you are firing into the air or at the walls ... save them for the chests of the Zionists, soldiers and settlers."

"Let a (Palestinian) reach a settler, let him stab him fiercely and let him die afterwards. They (Israelis) love worldly matters, we love martyrdom. Hit them in their weak points," he shouted as thousands chanted: "Allahu Akbar," or God is greatest."

Source: Hezbollah calls for Palestinian armed resistance against Israel, Agence France Presse -- English, October 4, 2000, Wednesday, International news, 858 words, BEIRUT, Oct 4
(As archived by Lexis-Nexis)

Or to put it another way are you Mr Youlton part of this Jihad against Israel in Ireland, so joining with Fascists like Nasrullah and like Ahmadinejad. The evidence suggests you are given also that you are quoting from Hirsh who has continually downplayed the threat to Israel from the mad dwarf Ahmadinejad having possission of a Nuclear Bomb

by MichaelY - iawm Tue Oct 02, 2007 16:51

We've missed you for a while. Allow me to call you Felix though I appreciate you calling me otherwise! Lol
A couple of points for your clarification:
1. The name of the organisation I am proud to be a member of (but never a spokesperson) is Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign. On the charge of anti-semitism, those ridden by Zionist logic are bound to project the accusation of anti-semitism onto whoever (or whatever) troubles their bad conscience. Antisemitism, a long standing blight on humanity, occurs whenever the Jew is taken out of the nexus of history, made to lose concreteness, and comes to stand for some archetype. Anti-semitism is a violence of abstraction...and from this standpoint the Zionist who insists that the only true way of being Jewish is loyalty and obedience to the State of Israel is also a kind of anti semite, different at some level from the swine who scrawls a swastika on a synagogue but bound together as an exponent of violence. And it is that violence our Palestinian brothers and sisters have been suffering from during the last 40 years Felix.

2.; The October 13th Conference is organised by the Irish Anti War Movement (IAWM) - the IPSC will have a stall at it but is not responsible for the choice of guest speakers etc. On the issue of Ibrahim Mussawi, and his organisation Hezbollah, the IAWM decided to invite him, for the second time in eight months, not because we agree wholeheartedly with the politics of that organisation, but
a. because they represent (electorally and ideologically) nearly a half of the Lebanese population (the poorer more downtrodden section) and
b. because they are a politico/military organisation that taught the Zionist State a very useful lesson last summer when it invaded Lebanon. What Al Manar shows or doesn't show is an issue for you....so it is for us too....but the way to discuss it is not be demonising people -a-la-Bush and a-la-Cheney but to show welcome and to show patience. The same way last time we invited the US Embassy to speak in one of our meetings we were treated as being in the pay of Bush and the CIA!!

3. As for being ashamed Felix - the answer is No....not for being a militant, not for having spent time behind bars in a few places, not for fighting the Empire as well and as productively as I can with my comrades.

Btw, if you want to come to the Conference you would be very welcome. Take it from me!!
Details above
And call me Michael - would you.

by MichaelY - iawm Tue Oct 02, 2007 17:15

Now hold on to your seats as this may come as a shock, but Israel has been lying thru its teeth about weapon sales to the Burma/Myanmar junta that is violently opposing a peaceful uprising, by shooting Buddhist monks and unarmed demonstrators.

Or maybe Israel doesn't consider submachine guns and artillery pieces "weapons."

On September 29th Israel paper Ha'aretz carried a story entitled "Israel urges Myanmar gov't to refrain from harming protesters." The story stated that... " Israel is concerned by the situation in Myanmar...." And that "Israel denies selling weapons to Burma or Myanmar."

Concerned about the situation or concerned that some of those Israeli weapons will be used to murder monks?

From the World War IV Report:

Israeli military aid to Burmese regime: Jane's Report

Submitted by David Bloom on Sat, 09/29/2007 - 20:14.
The Burmese junta currently shooting unarmed protestors received a cynical plea for restraint from the Israel government on Sept. 29. According to the Israeli paper Ha'aretz, the Israeli foreign ministry announced "Israel is concerned by the situation in Myanmar, and urges the government to demonstrate restraint and refrain from harming demonstrators." The article ended by pointing out that "Israel denies selling weapons to Burma or Myanmar." (Ha'aretz, Sept. 29)

Not true, according a March 1, 2000 report in the authoritative British publication Jane's Intelligence Review by William Ashton. The article, titled "Myanmar and Israel develop military," details how Israeli companies and the Israeli government have been supplying and developing weapons for the Burmese regime, and sharing intelligence:

In August 1997 it was revealed that the Israeli defence manufacturing company Elbit had won a contract to upgrade Myanmar's (then) three squadrons of Chinese-built F-7 fighters and FT-7 trainers. The F-7 is a derivative of the Mikoyan MiG-21 'Fishbed' jet fighter.

And to see proof of even more Israeli weapons sold to Myanmar's ruling junta, like machine guns and artillery pieces, check out this article in JANE's Intelligence Review
http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/reg.burma/archives/200008/ms....html

by Ban Doyle Tue Oct 02, 2007 17:41

Dan Boyle is a pro-Government Senator. Therefore he is not Anti-War. His government are allowing troops through Shannon and are turning a blind eye to Rendition Flights through Shannon. Dan Boyle should not be invited to s Anti-War event. I have my reservations about Patricia McKenna too since she's not leaving the Greens but at least she's not a Full-time Deputy Leader of the Government in the Upper House of the national Parliament.

by MichaelY - iawm Tue Oct 02, 2007 18:47

Dear BD, dear maximus

I can see you're both hard working and committed anti war activists. I can see you both care about creating a mass movement of people that would defeat the Fianna Fail cabal and stop Irish collaboration.
I can also see you don't know the meaning of the word sectarian.....pure and red or pink or black at heart, are we?
It is also obvious that your understanding of what goes on in the Middle East, and particularly Lebanon, is spot on....Islamophobia is not a concept that would ring any bells with you lads, is it? Or is it lassies?.

Now as to who else we should have invited to speak...any suggestions?
Prey please

by PaddyK Tue Oct 02, 2007 23:36

Any Comments on the only non-invasion scenario projected for Iran that I have seen on the Internet.

http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=2...13925

++THE AMERICAN MILITARY is at the present moment stretched to the limit. They are losing both wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Everything is being sacrificed for these wars: money, equipment in Asia, American military power globally, etc. Where and how can they fight yet another? ++

by PaddyK Wed Oct 03, 2007 01:39

http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=2...13935

A terribly short introduction to Iranian Civilisation 101.

++More importantly, activists in Iran are perfectly capable of challenging repressive regimes, they do not need US interference. There are several vibrant human rights movements in Iran and it is they who should decide the future of their country.++

by pat c Wed Oct 03, 2007 15:14

It now looks as if the focus has shifted from "nukes" to Irans Revolutionary Guards. Bush wants to bomb them. Seymour Hersh deals with the story below.

you could see the conversation with the White House grow more and more intense about -- not about nuclear weapons in Iran, but the Iranians coming across the border, the Revolutionary Guard, the al-Quds Brigade, one of its commando units, coming across the border and killing American -- or helping to kill American and coalition -- that is, British -- soldiers. So that was the new sort of mantra for this summer.

And underneath it lay a notion that, well, if we can’t sell the notion that Iran is a nuclear threat, we can certainly sell the American people on the notion that Iran is responsible for killing Americans and others and that any action we take -- limited action, less intense in terms of a kinetic force -- any limited action would be more saleable, would be accepted more readily by the American people, and, more significantly, or most significantly, really, the international community might not go ape over it.

by MichaelY - iawm Thu Oct 04, 2007 11:38

For my special friend Felix - for your info good friend

Rumours have been circulating for some time that Archbishop Desmond Tutu was banned by the University of St Thomas in Minnesota because of statements he made criticising Israel.

Now it's official: winning the Nobel Peace Prize doesn't protect you from charges of anti-Semitism if you criticize Israeli human rights practices. Neither, apparently, does being one of the most compelling voices for social justice in the world today, or even getting an honorary degree from and giving the *commencement
address
http://www.humanity.org/voices/commencements/speeches/i...ndeis>

by Michael Martin - Proud to support Israel! Thu Oct 04, 2007 20:27

Anti-jewish hatred has many faces and origins and is definitely not confined to German Nazi supporters. The radical left have their fair share of jew-haters. Did you know that 90 % of Stalin's victims, when he purged the Communist party of "traitors", were jewish? Archbishop Tutu is a man of the radical left. As a man who suffered a lot of persecution himself because of his political leanings, he should know better than travelling all over the world and spreading lies and hatred against Israel, the only democratic country in the entire middle-east. Those people in charge of the University of St. Thomas were right stopping him from preaching his lies on campus. I find the left-wing version of anti-semitism, those who disguise their hatred as "Campaigning for peace" or "against militarism" as obnoxious as the hatred for jews encountered from those on the far right who claim to be fighting some sort of "racial purity" crusade. But as we all know, the extreme right and the radical left are two different sides of the same coin. Is it really surprising that they present a united front against Israel?

by Fred Johnston Sat Oct 06, 2007 03:36

Fine Gael's Alan Shatter is coming on strong with his opposition to the second visit to Ireland of Ibrahim Mousawi, editor in chief of Hezbollah's Alintiqad Weekly. He is pressing Brian Lenihan to deny a visa. Is anyone out there cognisant of any of this? In the meantime, he has, in a reported statement in The Irish Times on October 5th, neatly lined up anti-war people with followers of Islamic fundamentalism - in more of a rant-fashion than anything else, however unsavoury it may be. Mr Shatter, one hopes, has condemnation enough left to heap some on the keepers of a secret Israeli torture camp and the authors of the US 'secret' memo authorising the use of torture, in spite of US denials of its use; not to mention the Israeli government's detention for years without trial or due process of hundreds of Palestinians. Perhaps Enda Kenny should be asked for his views on these matters. But one must wonder why Mr Shatter is laying it on hard and heavy right now. When the Israeli government prevented Palestinian poets from travelling to read at Dublin's Irish Writers' Centre a couple of years ago, I can't remember he had anything to say about state fundamentalism, let alone freedom of speech.

by Sceptic Sat Oct 06, 2007 11:38

Alan Shatter is one of the very few if not the only Jew in political life in Ireland and he has a point. The Hizbullah guest at this antiwar conference is not a man who has anything to do with peace or peacemaking but the opposite. He language is violent and inflammatory, he supports acts of terrorism including suicide bombing and he wants to replace the Government of Lebanon which is democratic with a Hizbullah emirate of some kind allied to Iran with a permanent Hizbullah Government kept in power by coercion. He also favours the destruction of Israel. It is not a mater of freedom of speech but giving PR to people who have no respect for the western notion of freedom of speech and would abolish or curb it if they got the chance. The Islamic community in Ireland is mercifully free of extremism and there is no good reason why a Jihadist hothead needs to be invited to Dublin. The antiwar movement are ill named as they are not in fact antiwar but anti certain wars only but quite prowar once the victims are Israelis or Americans or westerners or those in the Middle East who support the west. They would be better and more honest if they described themselves as Irish Hizbullah Solidarity Campaign or similar.

by Caker Sat Oct 06, 2007 11:47

For the life of me I cannot understand how either Patricia McKenna or Dan Boyle can be invited to speak at this event. Throught ehir membership of the Green party and that partys role in Government, they are now involved in supporting the US war in Iraq and the use of Shannon by US troops. Why are they being asked to speak?

by MichaelY - iawm Sat Oct 06, 2007 13:56

Dear caker and septic

It is always instructive how the two ends of the political spectrum meet and sing from the same hymn sheet.

To caker first - dear friend, both Dan and Patricia have been working with anti-war activists for a long time....certainly since 2002. Patricia continues to maintain her anti-war stance, is not a member of the Government and the subject of her presentation would be the militarisation of Europe. Dan, himself, wanted to speak at our Conference...we believe as the anti-war movement wants to attract and talk to as a wider a group of people as possible, he is welcome. As much as the critics of the Green Party, and the recent somersaults of the leadership, are very welcome to come and question them/criticise them. We are not going to emulate Fine Gael/ Shatter/McDowell tactics of censuring those we disagree with.

As to the septic message above....you don't have the faintest idea of what Hezbollah stands for, of their political programme, of the fact that they're part of the democratically elected Lebanese government, with 3 Ministries, representing over 40% of the Shiite population in the country. You are also unaware of the fact that it was Hezbollah militants who worked closely with the Irish Army contingents in Lebanon, saving Irish lives in the process. Ask the Dpt of Foreign Affairs and they'll tell you. You are repeating the crudest Zionist garbage out there and with good reason - Hezbollah defeated the IDF big time last summer 12 months ago and it's obviously hurting - badly....So, if you want to be heard and undersdood, please keep to the facts, tell us why should an Irish TD, irrespective of gender, race or religious affiliation, argue for censorship...he was very eerily quiet when the IDF attacked Lebanon last summer killing over 1,000 people, destroying infrastructure and the coastline and bombing Beirut. Now he finds a voice.....He sounds like a very right-wing croak dear septic....very septic indeed....and the anti-war movement is the only and best antisceptic I can think of to that kind of garbage.

by Caker Sat Oct 06, 2007 16:10

Michael Y:said "To caker first - dear friend, both Dan and Patricia have been working with anti-war activists for a long time....certainly since 2002. Patricia continues to maintain her anti-war stance, is not a member of the Government and the subject of her presentation would be the militarisation of Europe. Dan, himself, wanted to speak at our Conference...we believe as the anti-war movement wants to attract and talk to as a wider a group of people as possible, he is welcome. As much as the critics of the Green Party, and the recent somersaults of the leadership, are very welcome to come and question them/criticise them. We are not going to emulate Fine Gael/ Shatter/McDowell tactics of censuring those we disagree with"

Sorry Michael Y but I think you have taken me up wrong. At no stage did I suggest that we should censure those no longer opposed to the war. However that is different than inviting them to address this conference. If it is a debate then that is fair enough.

But did we invite members of other parties that support the use of Shannon airport and support the war in Iraq, such as FF and FG or the PDs who are in Government with the greens.

The Greens, along with FF and the PDs are now part of a Government that support the US in their war in Iraq and support the continuing use of Shannon Airport by the US. I know the mighty work Patricia has done in the past but she remains a member of that party and by remaining in the Greens following this massive U Turn by them it totally destroys her credibility. She is the one person would have had the bottle to walk away from these opportunists who were more than happy to ditch all their principles just to get into government. By staying she can no longer justifiably claim to be an anti-war activist

by Sceptic Sat Oct 06, 2007 16:59

I am all too aware of the reality of Hezbollah and there are good reasons to be wary of them. The Shia are a minority in Lebanon so 40% of a minority makes them a minor player except that they have a lot more than votes in their arsenal and their politicking is not confined to the benign and peaceful variety. There are an Iranian backed Islamist militia and terrorist group. Ask yourself is their participation in democratic politics out of heartfelt and tender respect for the democratic process or is it an expedient tactic to be employed along with force? Once power is won such niceties as elections and pluralism is quickly done away with. Their co-operating with the Irish defence forces is in no way mutually exclusive to the facts I set out (which are not Zionist propaganda by the way) or the concerns Shatter has raised. For an “antiwar “personality you appear to take an indecent satisfaction in Hezbollah’s various wars which just confirms my point that you are not antiwar at all but pro war which is precisely the point Shatter was making. Its NOT an argument about censorship – these people don’t accept the rules of the free speech game in the first place though you ignore that. The nearest thing to a Hezbollah state is the Islamic Republic of Iran – there is real censorship there – many newspapers and political parties are banned. But of course this is passed over in silence you your good self as is typical of the totally one sided approach of the IAWM or RESPECT or their ilk to Middle East questions or issues of militant Islamic groups undermining western values like free speech. The link below sums up the reverence these types have for your cherished free speech.

by Michael Martin - Proud to support Israel! Sat Oct 06, 2007 20:56

Alan Shatter's proposal to stop Mr. Mousawi from entering Ireland is not unreasonable. People coming from countries whose religious and/or political leaders are fundamentality opposed to our culture and the community values we uphold should face tougher srceening before being allowed to enter Ireland. And those, like Mr. Mousawi, who openly support terrorist organizations, or associate with known terrorists who have targetted our entire culture and traditional way of life for violent destruction should not be allowed to enter this country to stir up hatred against other western nations. Always bear in mind that all terrorists involved in the 9/11 attacks entered/lived in the U.S. and various other western nations, legallly. Don't let's repeat this mistake. No welcome for Mousawi! Fair play to Alan Shatter (in spite of disagreeing with him on other issues)!

by Seán Ryan Sat Oct 06, 2007 21:07

I shall not hold my breath waiting for Mr. Martin to rebuke Mr. Shatter or any of the others who pollute the Dáil. All of whom are well know for their association with terrorists, like George Bush. Not to mention the fact that Mr. Shatter and Co. fundamentally oppose our way of life and traditions. E.g. Tara and Rossport, to mention but two.

by pat c Sat Oct 06, 2007 21:23

To be honest I wouldnt be too put out if Abdulwahab & Michel Smaha were to be denied entry. But Ibrahim Mousawi is a different case he is part of the informatiom wing of Hezbollah who has brought the truth to the world about Israeli State Terrorism.

Alan Shatter is an odd person, he has no problems with Israel invading Lebanon and massacring civilians, deliberately targetting areas which have no military potential. Yet when Lebanes people fight back to defend their own country Shatter calls them terrorists.

I dont support the political programme of Hezbollah but I do support Hezbollah in its struggle against Israeli terrorism.

by Michael Martin Sat Oct 06, 2007 21:35

Please bear in mind that I concluded above reply with the sentence "In spite of disagreeing with him on other issues". These "other issues" include Rossport and Tara. But disagreeing with Mr. Shatter on those and other points doesn't obliges me to disagree with him on every issue .

by MichaelY - iawm Sun Oct 07, 2007 10:39

Thanks Pat, thanks Sean for joining in.

The key objective of next Saturday's international anti war Conference is to create a space, a domain, where the various components of anti-war opinion confront, and connect with, similar trends from here and abroad....
For most of our people, young and not-so-young , what we believe, what we think about what goes on in Lebanon, in Palestine, in Afghanistan and in Iraq, comes from the mainstreatm printed and electronic media. Very very few of us access independent media and even fewer ever had the opportunity to talk with, to debate with, to disagree if need be, with actuial individuals, with live humans, who are part of the opposition to what the Empire is trying to do in that part of the world.
Unity of anti war activists across organisational and territorial boundaries is what we seek. We want to confront and unite with some of our brothers and sisters who while eulogising what Che was doing in Souith America and Africa 40 or so years ago, feel slightly queasy, uncomfortable, when the sister with the gun or the brother with the rocket launcher speak Arabic and may go to the mosque every Friday. To look into that reality intelligently and with patience.
Solidarity with those who fight the illegal occupation of their country is what we consider our duty and what we seek to develop.
To mobilise as many people as possible, from all walks of life, in order to push this (new) Government to stop collaborating. And prepare the ground for a mass mobilisation if the Bush cabal begins attacking Iran - as they're very likely to do before your man gets kicked out of the White House next year.
And as next Saturday comes ever closer, there will be more Shatters, more Cusacks, more defenders of Zionism, more Empire soldiers getting onto their high horse and croaking and objecting......watch this space.

by MichaelY - iawm Sun Oct 07, 2007 16:10

Mr Shatter,

On behalf of the Irish Anti War Movement (IAWM), I feel obliged to communicate to your good self. We would like to express our total disapproval of :some the recent statements you have been reported to have made under the privilege of the Dail. We understand that as a full supporter of the apartheid State of Israel, and obviously suffering badly as a result of the political and military defeat suffered by the IDF last summer, you felt obliged to make unsubstantiated statements about our movement and some of our guests. However, as a person paid handsomely by our taxes, and elected to represent members of your constituency, we find your attempts to introduce censorship and induce fear and paranoia especially objectionable.
Despite the above, as we believe that informed debate is the only way for honest people to understand political developments and get through to the real facts prevailing on the ground, I am taking this opportunity to officially invite you to take part in our Conference on Saturday October 13th, and argue your political stance in a debate with our guests from the Middle East.

Looking forward to your response

Michael Youlton (co-chair of the IAWM)

by Don - Young Fine Gael Wed Oct 10, 2007 15:51

As you may guess I'm not much of a supporter of Hizbullah, but I think thier members should be allowed come to Ireland and speach thier minds. I'm going to this conferance on sat, just to hear what this guy has to say. I'm personally annoyed that a member of a party that is based on the protection of the freedom of speech, has tried to prevent them from coming. I'm considering ring Enda to see what he has to say about this.

by MichaelY - iawm Wed Oct 10, 2007 16:12

Thank you Don,

At the time of writing, Ibrahim Mussawi tells us that the Irish Consulate in Beirut has still not issued him with a visa that he applied for over two weeks ago.. While not technically refusing him as yet, this unprecedented delay almost denies him the possibility of booking a flight and arriving on time. Watch this space.

Irish Anti-War Movement – Press Release Weds Oct 10th

-ANTI-WAR CONFERENCE IN DUBLIN ON SAT URDAY 13TH WILL GO AHEAD DESPITE CENSORSHIP EFFORTS

-PROTEST CALLED AT DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TOMORROW TO SECURE ENTRY OF LEBANESE JOURNALIST

-OTHER INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE SPEAKERS SAY THEY FEAR FOR THEIR LIVES IN LEBANON

In a statement, the Irish Anti-War Movement says the its International conference due to take place in Dublin this Saturday, October 13th, will go ahead despite efforts by Fine Gael TD, Alan Shatter, and the US government to block entry to the country of one the keynote speakers, Lebanese journalist, Ibrahim Moussawi.

The Irish Anti-War Movement has called a protest outside the Department of Justice tomorrow (Thurs 11th) at 1pm to call on the Minister for Justice, Brian Lenihan, to grant a visa to Mr Moussawi who thus far has not received it from the Irish consulate in Lebanon , despite making his application two weeks ago. The IAWM wrote to Minister Lenihan about the issue of Mr Moussawi’s application last Friday and has as yet received no reply whatsoever.

The Irish Anti-War Movement said that the conference took on a new importance now, as the efforts to disrupt it may be part of a wider crack-down on the anti-war movement and opponents of US and Israeli foreign policy internationally, possibly linked to preparations for a US and/or Israeli military strike on Iran .

Richard Boyd Barrett, chairperson of the IAWM said:
“It is a very serious development indeed if the Irish government has bowed to pressure from one TD with a very close relationship to Israel, and the US government itself, to interfere with free democratic debate in this country. Given that Ibrahim Moussawi gained entry to this country in the last year without any problem and actually met with government officials, it would mark a very serious and alarming shift in government policy not to allow him in this time. We sincerely hope this is not the case and that Brian Lenihan will immediately grant Mr Moussawi a visa to enter this country and participate in our conference.

However, this incident may not be an aberration. There are very worrying signs internationally of a serious crack-down on the anti-war movement and opponents of US and Israeli foreign policy. The London Metropolitan police banned an anti-war demonstration outside the British parliament on Monday of this week, under pressure, as acknowledged by the Police themselves, from “inside parliament.” Much more seriously, two other speakers based in Lebanon , due to attend the Dublin conference, former Christian minister Michel Samaha and Israeli-Arab Knesset MP, Azmi Bishara have now gone into hiding because of fears for their safety. Attendance at the conference by these speakers is now also in doubt, although the IAWM remains in contact with them and hopeful they will still be able to attend.

The recent pronouncements of leading US neo-con, Bush ally and former US representative to the UN that military action against Iran must now be considered, along with similar reports by award winning journalist Seymour Hersh based on sources from within the US administration, suggest an attack on Iran may be imminent. In this context a push by the US and Israeli governments to hamper and disorganise its political opponents and the international anti-war movement would appear to make sense.

The Irish public and, indeed citizens of democratic countries everywhere, should be very worried if Bush’s bloody war in Iraq is set not only to expand to Iran but is beginning to curtail civil liberties and freedom of speech here in Ireland and elsewhere. This is why we in the Irish Anti-War Movement are even more determined that this conference will go ahead and we hope many people who support the movement against a will attend. ”

The IAWM International Anti-War Conference will take place on Saturday October 13th in the Royal Dublin Hotel between 9-30am and 9pm.

The Conference is open to the public, though places may be limited. Admission €10

Speakers include:
Dr Qusay Al Suhail (Iraqi MP), Michel Samaha (Lebanese former Minister), Ibrahim Moussawi (Al Manar TV – Beiruit), Azmi Bishara (Israeli-Arab Knesset MP), Michael D Higgins TD, Aengus O Snodaigh TD, Patricia Mc Kenna and Ed Horgan (Green Party), Andrew Murray (Stop the War Coalition – UK), Dave Crouch (Journalist & Media Workers against War – UK), Mira Dabit (Right to Education Campaign – Palestine), Alysc Elicia Zaerin (Campaign Iran), Richard Boyd Barrett (Irish Anti-War Movement) & more

For more info/confirmation contact:
Richard Boyd Barrett 087-6329511
Michael Youlton 086 - 8159487

by Maccer Wed Oct 10, 2007 16:50

I believe the news is grim on this front. Several reports are surfacing that the visa has indeed been refused. Another thread has already been posted to deal with this disgusting attack on the freedom of speech.

As an aside however, will any spokesperson for HOPI be in attendance?

It is my understanding that they enjoy widespread support yet do not seem to be amonst the speakers for the event.

Although several of the speakers have signed the HOPI petition this will not render them spokespersons for HOPI as they will be speaking very much in a personal capacity.

Has an invitation been extended by the IAWM?

by MichaelY - iawm Wed Oct 10, 2007 17:03

Hi Maccer,

I very much hope that a HOPI spokesperson or two will be at the Conference. As you will note from the programme, we have an Iranian speaker, a speaker allied to Hezbollah and a third speaker allied to the Al Sadr group in Iraq. The issues of the Empire's plans re: Iran, Iran's relationship with the Iraqi and Lebanese people and, by implication, the internal situation in Iran will be very much at the forefront. of the discussions.

On the visa issue, having just spoken to Ibrahim Mussawi, he has not as yet been 'technically' refused a visa but, as an Irish solution to an Irish problem, the Beirut Consulate is delaying its decision up to a point that it would be impossible for him to get here on time. As I said above, watch this space for news.

C u all on Saturday

by pat c Wed Oct 10, 2007 17:05

Members of HOPI will be along at the conference and will be participating from the floor.

Michael Y certainly extended an invitation to HOPI members to attend whatever about the IAWM itself.

I certainly hope that Ibrahim Mussawi will be able to attend. Keep up the pressure. Contact TDs and Senators and demand that he be given a visa.

by MichaelY - iawm Thu Oct 11, 2007 10:22

Check communications backwards and forwards between Alan Shatter and the iawm

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/84585&comment_limit=0&c...09286

by MichaelY - iawm Mon Oct 15, 2007 12:54

To whom it may concern

Our response to the State's and its hirelings attempts to disorganise the anti-war movement activities by denigrating us the press and denying Ibrahim Mussawi a visa - something, incidentally, that he has not been informed of officially so that he could appeal - was parttly overcome both in the Dublin Conference on Saturday and the Galway Conference yesterday by having Ibrahim speak and answer questions live through Skype......
The Dublin Conference went out live on the Net in its entirety - and over and above the 170 people present in the hall another 70 (at a peak moment) were listening to the debate and contributions. We have taped and edited the whole discussion and will soon have an mp3 version available through Indymedia and our www.irishantiwar.org site.
And in case any friend/supporter of the anti-war movement asks whether we were satisifed with the Dublin attendance, the fact that a number of mostly young people joined us, that over 100 people in Galway and 70 in Derry were simultaneously participating in the debates....the fact that we had speakers from Palestine, Lebanon, Iran and Iraq......as well as number of very good activists from the UK and the States....yes we are delighted.