UPDATE: Defending the right to protest on 20 November

STOP THE WAR COALITION
UPDATE
11 November 2010
Email office@stopwar.org.uk Tel: 020 7801 2768
Web: http://stopwar.org.uk
Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk

UPDATE:
1) DEFENDING THE RIGHT TO PROTEST ON 20 NOVEMBER
2) HOW TO JOIN OR SUBSCRIBE TO STOP THE WAR'S FACEBOOK
3) AFGHANISTAN: REASONS TO DEMONSTRATE VIDEOS

******************************

****
1) DEFENDING THE RIGHT TO PROTEST ON 20 NOVEMBER

We asked our supporters to complain by email to the Hyde Park
authorities, who are trying to stop the AFGHANISTAN: TIME TO GO
demonstration from assembling at Speakers' Corner to "protect" a
commercial event called Winter Wonderland, which is taking place
half a mile away. (SEE http://bit.ly/bdyMSr )

Such has been the overwhelming number of complaints that the Hyde
Park authorities are now blocking all emails to their chief
executive.

If you wish to make a complaint, this should now be to Chris
Smith, business manager of AEG, who are the organisers of Winter
Wonderland: chris.smith@aegworldwide.co.uk

As we reported in our last newsletter, we will be defying this
ban, as we did successfully for previous attempts to restrict our
right to protest in 2003 and 2007. Please join us.

NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION * AFGHANISTAN: TIME TO GO
SATURDAY 20 NOVEMBER * ASSEMBLE 12 NOON
SPEAKERS' CORNER * HYDE PARK * LONDON
MARCH TO TRAFALGAR SQUARE
Called by Stop the War Coalition, CND and British Muslim
Initiative.

**********************************
2) HOW TO JOIN STOP THE WAR'S FACEBOOK

We have had a number of requests for instructions on how to join
Stop the War's new Facebook.

i) If you are not a member of Facebook, go to
http://www.facebook.com/ and sign up.

ii) Once you've signed up, the quickest way to find our Facebook
is to go to:
http://www.facebook.com/stopthewarcoalition

iii) To receive our Facebook updates, click the Like button next
to the heading Stop the War Coalition.

iv) We post messages every day, which you will now automatically
receive. You can also comment on messages, tell us which postings
you like (or not!) etc.

IMPORTANT:
If you joined the old Stop the War Facebook group, please note
that we no longer post on this. Join us on our new Facebook as
described above.

**********************************
3) AFGHANISTAN: REASONS TO DEMONSTRATE VIDEOS

The first three of our one minute videos Afghanistan: Reasons to
Demonstrate are now available on our website, as well as on
YouTube.

* Afghanistan: Reasons to Demonstrate No.1 featuring Tony Benn:
http://bit.ly/cemTFE

* Afghanistan: Reasons to Demonstrate No.2 featuring Joe Glenton:
http://bit.ly/9hDz6l

* Afghanistan: Reasons to Demonstrate No.3 featuring Rory Stewart
MP: http://bit.ly/dkQG2M

Kabul conference shows the war at an impasse

STOP THE WAR COALITION
20 July 2010
Email office@stopwar.org.uk
Tel: 020 7801 2768
Web: http://stopwar.org.uk
Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk

1. KABUL CONFERENCE SHOWS THE WAR AT AN IMPASSE
2. 'AFGHANISTAN:TIME TO GO'. PUBLIC MEETING MONDAY 26TH JULY








******************************

********

1. KABUL CONFERENCE SHOWS THE WAR AT AN IMPASSE

The Kabul conference discussing the war in Afghanistan has only served to
demonstrate the impasse which the war has now reached. Even the US
administration has conceded that talks with the Taliban – so far resisted by
Obama - are going to happen. The recognition that the war is losing contradicts
the statements, still reiterated by foreign secretary William Hague, that there
is a gradual improvement in the situation in Afghanistan.

The much-touted date for withdrawal in 2014 shows the desperation of the Nato
governments, faced with defeat in Afghanistan and growing unpopularity of the
war domestically. The fact that they are talking about a withdrawal date
reflects the growing costs of the war, in human life and in billions of
dollars. The death rate of British soldiers now stands at similar levels to
those of Russian soldiers just before their withdrawal 20 years ago. The death
rate of Afghans has increased over the past year. The Afghan army, supposedly
being trained to take over the war from the Nato forces, has a 25% desertion
rate.

But the conference today answers nothing. Why is fighting continuing in Helmand
and the south when a likely outcome of negotiations to end the war will be to
hand over that area to the Taliban? How can western governments claim the war
is about human rights when it backs a government ranking among the most corrupt
in the world? Why are these same governments ignoring public opinion, which is
for rapid withdrawal of troops and an end to the war?

The role of the British government in this war has been shameful, from John
Reid’s claim four years ago that the troops might be able to leave Helmand
without a shot being fired in anger, to Hague’s current increasingly
desperate justifications for the war.

How many more people will die before the proposed withdrawal date? How many
billions will be spent on an unjustifiable war while the welfare state is
slashed by the Coalition government. And which government minister will have to
tell the families of the dead what exactly they were fighting for?

We are asking all our supporters to redouble their efforts campaigning to bring
the troops home. Now is a moment when the movement can really make a
difference. Our timetable for withdrawal starts now, with campaigning in every
locality, involving military families, trade unions, school students and
students, faith groups and anti war campaigners. We are aiming for a big
national demonstration to coincide with the next Nato summit on November 20th
saying it’s time to go –bring the troops home.
Please start spreading the word about the demonstration – leaflets will be
available on Monday and get in touch with your local group or check the website
for local activities.

**************************************

2. 'AFGHANISTAN:TIME TO GO'. PUBLIC MEETING MONDAY 26TH JULY

7pm, Monday, 26th July
Conway Hall
25 Red Lion Square
London, WC1R 4RL

Joe Glenton, jailed for refusing to fight in Afghanistan, speaks out against
the war. With Caroline Lucas, Jeremy Corbyn and Mark Steel.

The war in Afghanistan is in crisis. The strategy is crumbling, with Obama's
sacking of General McChrystal and an increasingly corrupt Karzai government.
The violence is intensifying with No clear goals and even fewer results.
ThousandS of Afghan civilians are dying every year and very little rebuilding
is being done. Despite the 77% of people being opposed to Britain's
involvement in Afghanistan, this government continues to send troops to kill
and die in a war that is being lost.

This war is wrong, this war has failed and it's Time To Go--

Sat 26 June protest against Army Show Room: withdraw troops from Afghanistan

SHUT DOWN THE ARMY SHOWROOM

BRING THE TROOPS HOME FROM AFGHANISTAN

PROTEST

1.30pm SATURDAY 26 JUNE

KINGSLAND SHOPPING CENTRE, KINGSLAND HIGH ST, DALSTON E8

(opposite Dalston Kingsland station)

********************************************

Ten Nato soldiers, including seven Americans, were killed on 7 June 2010, the day Afghanistan overtook Vietnam to become the longest war in US history.

The US has spent over $300 billion on the war in Afghanistan, where it currently has over 100,000 troops, at a cost of a million a year for each one.

Britain is spending £6 billion on close on 10,000 troops, who, at an escalating rate of deaths and injuries, have no other purpose than to bolster failed US war policies and to save the face of the politicians who took this country into an unjustified and unwinnable war.

Most people in Britain, according to the opinion polls, want the troops withdrawn. President Karzai's government is thoroughly corrupt. The continuing occupation only makes terrorist outrages more likely.

26 June is Armed Forces Day. We don't want any more soldiers being recruited or being sent to kill and to die. Young people should not feel forced to join up to escape rotting on the dole. Instead of cuts in public services, end the spending on the war in Afghanistan and on nuclear missiles. Put the money into education and jobs.

**************************************************

Please join us at our protest outside the Army Show Room in Dalston and tell the Con Dem government to bring the troops home.

If you can help publicise the protest please contact me for leaflets.

**************************************************

There will be similar protests outside army contact points in Hounslow and Bromley.

Justice Not Vengeance is organising other activities, including a peace walk between 25 June and 1 July from London to Colchester in support of soldier Joe Glenton, who is being held in military prison in Colchester for refusing to return to Afghanistan to fight in a war he longer believes in. For details of this, and other activities, go to http://unarmedforcesday.wordpress.com or ring Maya on 01424 431088.

**************************************************

Gareth Jenkins
Sec. Hackney Stop The War

07764 616960

Demonstration Against Israeli brutality, Saturday

Israel’s unprecedented massacre of peace activists on the Gaza flotilla has produced an outrage around the world.



On Monday London saw a magnificent protest called at just a few hours’ notice, as did many other towns and cities across the country.



This Saturday there is another emergency demonstration, which we need to make a big as possible.



Attached to this email is a flyer. Please print or photocopy some copies and spread them around your workmates, your trade union and community groups and your streets.



Hackney Stop the War activists will be leafleting stations and shopping centres between now and Saturday, but everyone can play apart in making this the demonstration a big as possible.



GAZA FLOTILLA NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION

ASSEMBLE 1.30PM DOWNING STREET LONDON



Stop the war is also holding a conference on Islamophobia on Saturday. This was to have been an all-day event, but has now been shortened so that people can go on the demonstration.



Although only half a day now, the conference is important. The intensification of the EDL racist marches have highlighted the extent to which Muslims are demonised in our society and the Stop Islamophobia conference will bring together an impressive list of speakers to lead the discussion on how this can be countered.

Anyone who wishes to attend can still do so.

STOP ISLAMOPHOBIA CONFERENCE 9.30AM - 1.00PM

CAMDEN CENTRE LONDON WC1H 9JE

Stop the War needs your help urgently‏

STOP THE WAR COALITION
Newsletter No.1156
02 June 2010
Email office@stopwar.org.uk
Tel: 020 7801 2768 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 020 7801 2768 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Web: http://stopwar.org.uk
Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
1) STOP THE WAR NEEDS YOUR HELP URGENLY
2) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED NOW
3) EMERGENCY FUNDS NEEDED NOW
4) A TURNING POINT FOR GAZA

*************************************
1) STOP THE WAR NEEDS YOUR HELP URGENLY

GAZA FLOTILLA PROTEST MARCH SATURDAY 5 JUNE
ASSEMBLE DOWNING STREET 1.30PM
MARCH TO ISRAELI EMBASSY

We have only a few days to mobilise for Saturday's GAZA FLOTILLA
PROTEST MARCH and we need your help urgently.

When Stop the War organised emergency demonstrations during
Israel's Gaza onslaught in January 2009, which killed 1400
Palestinians, and in July 2006, when Israel launched full scale
war on Lebanon, the response of our supporters was phenomenal,
and we were able, within a few days, to organise two of the
largest demonstrations in recent years.

We urgently need your help now to ensure that we get the biggest
turnout possible on Saturday to reflect the widespread outrage at
Israel's heinous crimes in attacking the Gaza flotilla.

*************************************
2) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED NOW

We urgently need vounteers to help in Stop the War's national
office, which is close to London's Victoria Station. We have
numerous tasks to cover in preparing for Saturday's
demonstration. If you have any time at all this week to help,
whether it's just a few hours or more, please contact us now:
EMAIL: office@stopwar.org.uk
PHONE: 020 7801 2768 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 020 7801 2768 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

*************************************
3) EMERGENCY FUNDS NEEDED NOW

Stop the War's finances are stretched to the limit. Funding the
demonstration and other emergency actions on top of our usual
office costs has stretched our finances to the limit.

We desperately need funding now to ensure we can meet the needs
of mobilising the largest possible turnout on Saturday. Please
make a donation of whatever sum you can afford.

Your contribution can make a big difference. Please rush your
donation to Stop the War now:
ONLINE: http://bit.ly/9seAbb
BY PHONE: 020 7801 2768 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 020 7801 2768 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
BY POST: Send a cheque payable to "Stop the War Coalition" to:
Stop the War Coalition, 231 Vauxhall Bridge Road London SW1 1EH

*************************************
4) A TURNING POINT FOR GAZA

This week could be a turning point for the people of Gaza, if our
mealy-mouthed leaders, not least the British government, are
forced by public pressure to take action against Israel, which
has been allowed for too long to terrorise Palestinians and
violate countless international laws with impunity.

Please contribute in any way you can to building this pressure,
by spreading the word about Saturday's demonstration, by
vounteering if you have the time and by rushing to us your
donation towards our campaign fund.

GAZA FLOTILLA PROTEST MARCH SATURDAY 5 JUNE
ASSEMBLE DOWNING STREET 1.30PM
MARCH TO ISRAELI EMBASSY

Stop Islamophobia Conference: Book Now‏

STOP THE WAR COALITION 
NEWSLETTER No. 1154  
21 May 2010  
Email office@stopwar.org.uk  
Tel: 020 7801 2768 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              020 7801 2768      end_of_the_skype_highlighting  
Web: http://stopwar.org.uk  
Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:  
1) STOP ISLAMOPHOBIA CONFERENCE - BOOK NOW  
2) STOP THE WAR APPEAL - PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY  
3) DEMOCRACY VILLAGE UNDER ATTACK

*******************************  
1) STOP ISLAMOPHOBIA CONFERENCE - BOOK NOW

This conference is a crucial, long overdue event. Attacks on  
the Muslim community are at an all time high. The newspapers  
are full of abuse against Muslims. Physical attacks are  
rising. Muslim demonstrators are being sent to prison. The  
election of a right wing government will only mean more  
anti-Muslim policies while in Europe governments are lining up 
to ban the Burqa and impose restrictions on the Hijab.

The aim is to bring together all the organisations and 
individuals who want to stop the spread of the Islamophobic  
poison. The conference has been backed by Unite the Union, the 
NUJ, CND and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, a number of  
Mosques, Friends of al Aqsa, the Muslim Safety Forum, the  
Islamic Forum of Europe and many other organisations.

Speakers include Moazzam Begg, Daud Abdullah, Salma Yaqoob,  
Peter Oborne, Lindsey German, Imran Khan, Seumas Milne and  
many more.

Please book now and spread the word. Tickets are available  
here: http://bit.ly/al64ru

*******************************  
2) STOP THE WAR APPEAL - PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY
 
Stop the War Coalition needs your support.  We have launched  
an appeal for £10,000 for our two most urgent initiatives -  
the Troops Out of Afghanistan tour and the conference to Stop 
Islamophobia. Both projects are expensive. Both are crucial.  
NATO is poised for its biggest military offensive since  
Obama's surge, the attack on Kandanar. This could lead to  
massive suffering in what uis Afghanistans second city.

£50 buys 2000 leaflets, £500 pays for a workshop at the  
conference. Please give generously.

HOW TO DONATE:
ONLINE:  http://bit.ly/FeWuS
BY PHONE: Call 0207801 2768 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              0207801 2768      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
BY POST: Send a cheque made out to "Stop the War Coalition" to 
Stop the War, 231 Vauxhall Bridge Road London SW1 1EH

*******************************  
3) DEMOCRACY VILLAGE UNDER ATTACK

Activists in Parliament Square, who have been camping out in  
protest against the war in Afghanistan, are being threatened  
with eviction in the run up to the Queens Speech next week.  
They are asking for people to visit them to show support. Send 
messages to:  supportdemoracyvillage@gmail.com

They can also be followed on Twitter at:  
http://twitter.com/Democracyville

STOP THE WAR COALITION
NEWSLETTER No. 1151 
04 May 2010 
Email office@stopwar.org.uk 
Tel: 020 7801 2768 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              020 7801 2768      end_of_the_skype_highlighting 
Web: http://stopwar.org.uk 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk

IN THIS NEWSLETTER: 
1) NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION FOR PALESTINE 
2) ELTON JOHN NOT APPEARING AT PALESTINE PROTEST

*****************************
1) NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION FOR PALESTINE

Saturday 15 May is a day of action for Palestine, including a
demonstration in London, calling for:

* An end to Israel's violations of international law 
* An end to Israel's illegal occupation and settlements 
* Israeli war criminals to be brought to justice 
* An end to the siege on Gaza
* A ban on all settlement goods 
* Suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement 
* An end to the arms trade with Israel

LONDON FREE PALESTINE DEMONSTRATION 
SATURDAY 15 MAY, 12-2PM 
OPPOSITE 10 DOWNING STREET, LONDON SW1
(nearest tube Westminster)

Organised by: Palestine Solidarity Campaign, British Muslim 
Initiative, Stop the War Coalition, CND, Palestinian Forum in
Britain.

Supported by: Association of the Palestinian Community UK, 
Friends of Al Aqsa, Friends of Lebanon, the Green Party, ICAHD
UK, Jews for Justice for Palestinians, Liberal Democrats 
Friends of Palestine, Pax Christi, Public and Commercial 
Services Union, UNISON, UNITE the Union, Zaytoun

DOWNLOAD LEAFLET: http://bit.ly/bNg9J4

*****************************
2) ELTON JOHN NOT APPEARING AT PALESTINE PROTEST

Elton John will not be appearing at Saturday's demonstration 
for Palestine. Instead he's getting ready for a concert in Tel
Aviv on June 17, unlike Gil Scott Heron and Santana, who both
cancelled concerts in Israel, following a widespread call for
them to respect the boycott of Israel for its countless 
violations of international law.

When Elton John performs in Israel, we doubt that he will be 
singing the song we've posted on Stop the War's website:  

How to use your vote against the war‏

STOP THE WAR COALITION 
NEWSLETTER No. 1151  
04 May 2010  
Email office@stopwar.org.uk  
Tel: 020 7801 2768 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              020 7801 2768      end_of_the_skype_highlighting  
Web: http://stopwar.org.uk  
Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk

IN THIS NEWSLETTER  
1) HOW TO USE YOUR VOTE AGAINST THE WAR  
2) STOP ISLAMOPHOBIA: DEFEND THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY  
3) FUND RAISING DRIVE: PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY

**********************************  
1) HOW TO USE YOUR VOTE AGAINST THE WAR

Stop the war's lobbying database can help you decide how to  
vote against the war in Thursday's election. Thousands of  
people have used it to question their candidates on a range of 
issues concerning the "war on terror".

Of those who replied so far, 17 per cent of Labour and 17 per 
cent of Liberal Democrat candidates support our call for the  
troops to come home. Many of the smaller parties have higher  
pecentages of candidates opposing the war. Not one  
Conservative candidate has supported the call for the troops  
to be withdarwn.

HOW TO LOBBY YOUR LOCAL ELECTION CANDIDATES  
* Go to http://bit.ly/91ATZw  
* Enter your post code 
* Complete the survey (takes one or two minutes)

**********************************  
2) STOP ISLAMOPHOBIA: DEFEND THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY  
ONE DAY CONFERENCE SATURDAY 5 JUNE 10AM TO 5PM 
CAMDEN CENTRE LONDON WC1H 9JE

Muslims are under attack on many fronts.  Media demonisation, 
pro-war propaganda , government surveillance, imprisonment of 
Muslims peacefully protesting against Israel's invasion of  
Gaza --  all have contributed to a sense that the whole  
community is being scapegoated.

One result has been a frightening increase in physical attacks 
on mosques and individuals.

Stop the War is organising a conference against Islamophobia, 
alongside the British Muslim Initiative, to discuss how best  
to campaign and organise against this growing threat.

The conference already has the support of a range of unions  
and organisations  including the National Union of  
Journalists, UNITE, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, 
Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the Islam Channel and a number 
of Mosques.

Speakers include:  
* Daud Abdullah, Muslim Council of Britain  
* Mohammed Ali, Islam Channel 
* Anas Al-Tikriti, British Muslim Initiative  
* Tre Azam, ex of The Apprentice  
* Moazzam Begg, former Guantanamo Bay prisoner 
* Lindsey German, convenor Stop the War Coalition  
* Muhammad Habibur-Rahman, vice-president Islamic Forum of  
Europe 
* Kate Hudson CND,  
* Imran Khan solicitor,  
* Dr Robert Lambert, former head of Scotland Yard's Muslim  
Contact Unit  
* Seumas Milne, journalist  
* Peter Oborne, journalist  
* Salma Yaqoob, Respect Party

TICKETS £5 OR £3 UNWAGED  
Book Online: http://bit.ly/al64ru  
Book by phone: 020 7801 2768 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              020 7801 2768      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

**********************************  
3) FUND RAISING DRIVE: PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY

As well as taking the initiative for the conference against  
Islamophobia, Stop the War will this Summer step up its  
campaign against the war in Afghanistan. We are organising a  
national tour of meetings starting in June.

We are also planning a range of publications and other 
resources to help promote the anti-war case.

Stop the War's work is as necessary as at any time in our nine 
year history, not least because the political establishment  
has closed ranks to try and bury the issue of the war.

Stop the War has no rich sponsors and receives no grants. All 
of our campaigning is funded by the support we get from our  
network of supporters across the country.

To help fund our campaigning in the coming months, we are  
launching a fund drive to raise £10,000 by the end of July and  
we are urging our supporters to donate what they can.

How your donations can help: £100 pays for travel for one  
stage of the Afghanistan speaking tour we are planning, £50  
buys 2000 leaflets, £20 pays for 30 placards.

Please donate generously to the campaign. You can donate by  
cheque, online, or on the phone.  
ONLINE: http://bit.ly/APlKX  
BY PHONE: 020 7801 2768 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              020 7801 2768      end_of_the_skype_highlighting  
BY POST: Cheques made payable to "Stop the War Coalition" and 
sent to Stop the War Coalition, 231 Vauxhall Bridge Road,  
London UK, SW1V 1EH

Events this week on "war on terror", Palestine & nuclear warfare

STOP THE WAR COALITION
17 April 2010
Tel: 020 7801 2768
Web: http://stopwar.org.uk ;;
Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk

******************************

**
LOBBY YOUR ELECTION CANDIDATES ON AFGHANISTAN:
IT TAKES ONLY 1-2 MINUTES, HERE: http://bit.ly/8X35fk
********************************

TO ALL LONDON STOP THE WAR GROUPS

DIARY OF EVENTS 19-24 APRIL 2010

TUE 20 APR 6.30PM
IMPERIAL CONTROVERSY: CHALLENGING THE EMPIRE APOLOGISTS
Author event at Bookmarks bookshop. Andrew Murray Chair of Stop the War, will
talk about his new book which uncovers the intimate links between the war on
terror and the history of empire. Email events@bookmarks.uk.com or call 020
7637 1848 to reserve your free place.

TUE 20 APRIL 8PM
A NIGHT OF COMEDY MUSIC AND MAGIC FOR PALESTINE
All proceeds go to The International Solidarity Movement, The Russell Tribunal
on Palestine and The Lajee Centre in Bethlehem. With Ivor Dembina, Jeremy
Hardy, Ian Saville, Maureen Younger and Music by The Amigans. The Dogstar, 389
Coldharbour Lane, Brixton SW9 8LQ. Tickets £8, Concessions £6

FRI 23 APR 6.30PM
MY FATHER WAS A FREEDOM FIGHTER: GAZA'S UNTOLD STORY
Author event: Ramzy Baroud, author and editor of PalestineChronicle.com will be
speaking at Bookmarks about his new book, a deeply personal account of the
theft and occupation of Palestine by the Israeli state. Email
events@bookmarks.uk.com or call 020 7637 1848 to reserve your free place.

SAT 24 APRIL 3PM
NEW FILM: BEATING THE BOMB - THE PEACE MOVEMENT, NUCLEAR WEAPONS AND GLOBAL
JUSTICE.
First screening The Prince Charles cinema, Leicester Square, London. Followed
by Q&A with Tony Benn, Lindsey German, Kate Hudson (CND chair) and others. Fund
raiser for Medact and its work on health issues amongst those affected by
severe poverty, war and environmental damage. Booking:
http://www.maddmovies.co.uk/

Stepping up Stop the War's election campaign‏

STOP THE WAR COALITION 
NEWSLETTER No. 1149  
12 April 2010 
Email office@stopwar.org.uk  
Tel: 020 7801 2768 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              020 7801 2768      end_of_the_skype_highlighting  
Web: http://stopwar.org.uk  
Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:  
1) STEPPING UP STOP THE WAR'S ELECTION CAMPAIGN  
2) LONDON DEBATE: SHOULD THE TROOPS BE IN AFGHANISTAN? 
3) ASTOUNDING RESPONSE TO ELECTION SURVEY  
4) SPECIAL ELECTION RESOURCES 
5) CRUEL PRISON TREATMENT OF SOLDIER JOE GLENTON  
6) IT'S OFFICIAL: THROWING SHOES AS A PROTEST IS ALLOWED  
7) WATCHING THIS VIDEO ANGER CALCIFIES THE HEART

************************************** 
1) STEPPING UP STOP THE WAR'S ELECTION CAMPAIGN

Hardly any of the politicians vying for our votes in this  
election have mentioned the war in Afghanistan, even as the  
country sinks further into a quagmire of destruction and  
wasted lives, with the rate of British soldiers being killed  
double what it was a year ago.

We are stepping up our campaign to raise the profile of the  
war as an election issue and to get the candidates to state  
their views publicly on Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and other  
anti-war issues, which many people will want to know when  
deciding how to cast their vote.

Local Stop the War debates, question times, hustings etc are  
now rolling out across the country. We are posting details of 
these on our website as soon as we receive them: SEE  
http://bit.ly/crQiHe

A major all-London debate will take place this Wednesday 14  
April (details below) .

Stop the War now has available a range of election special  
resources (see below). Our Cost of War briefing card has  
proved so popular that it sold out within a few days and is  
now being reprinted.

************************************** 
2) LONDON DEBATE: SHOULD THE TROOPS BE IN AFGHANISTAN?

WEDNESDAY 14 APRIL 6.30 PM  
OLD CINEMA LECTURE THEATRE  
WESTMINSTER UNIVERSITY 
309 REGENT STREET, LONDON W1B 2UW

Participants include Mehdi Hasan from the New Statesman,  
Professor Christopher Coker from the London School of 
Economics, Martin Cakebread from the National Defence 
Association, and Lindsey German, Convenor of Stop the War.

Arguments for and against the war will be presented and there 
will be plenty of opportunity for contributions and questions 
from the floor.

************************************** 
3) ASTOUNDING RESPONSE TO ELECTION SURVEY

In just a few days, we have had an astounding response to our 
Election Candidates Survey. Close to 4000 emails to candidates 
have been sent already, asking where they stand on  
Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and other anti-war issues.

This is a reflection of the anger many voters must feel seeing 
all the main parties ignore what should be a key issue in the 
election.

If you haven't sent a message to your local candidates yet,  
requesting they tell you what their view is of this country's 
current war policies, we urge you to do so now. It takes just 
1-2 minutes here:  http://bit.ly/8X35fk

The more people pressure candidates, the more they will feel  
they have to respond. Please forward the link to or Candidates 
Survey to everyone you know and encourage them to send their  
message.

As we get the responses from candidates, they will be 
publicised on the Stop the War website, and we will name and  
shame those who have remained silent.

************************************** 
4) SPECIAL ELECTION RESOURCES

Stop the War has produced a range of election special 
resources for our campaign to force the war in Afghanistan  
onto the election agenda. These are all available from the  
national office: Tel: 020 7801 2768 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              020 7801 2768      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

* AFGHANISTAN: THE COST OF WAR This briefing card has proved  
so popular that it sold out within days. It is now being  
reprinted.

* PETITION: DON'T THEY KNOW THERE'S A WAR ON - BRING THE  
TROOPS HOME A petition for downloading to print and collect  
signatures in your work, school, college, community etc.  
Download here:

* AFGHANISTAN: 10 REASONS WHY THE TROOPS SHOULD COME HOME  
A new pamphlet written by Steve Bell with a preface by Paul  
Flynn MP. £2.50 incl p&p. BUY ONLINE: http://bit.ly/bGJTi3

* STOP THE WAR'S PRINTED NEWSLETTER We produce a by-monthly  
printed edition newsletter, the latest issue of which is an  
election special (50p. Reduced rate for 5 or more copies). If 
you've not seen the printed newsletter before, back issues are 
available here: http://bit.ly/c4r9Ot

************************************** 
5) CRUEL PRISON TREATMENT OF SOLDIER JOE GLENTON  
.  
Joe Glenton, the British soldier who refused to return to  
fight in Afghanistan because he believed the war to be 
unjustified and unwinnable, is receiving cruel treatment at  
the hands of military prison staff, following his court  
martial and sentence to nine months imprisonment.

The prison authorities are trying to force him to sleep under 
an unwashed or dirty blanket - a punishment that often leads  
prisoners to get body lice - and to wear boots despite the  
fact he has broken his toe. This follows a disciplinary  
hearing following what his legal team say is the trumped up  
claim that Joe insulted an officer.

Please send complaints about the way Joe is being treated in  
prison to: mctcwelfare@hotmail.com.

To send Joe a message of support and for background and  
updates on his case, go to: http://bit.ly/dgLAck

Joe's legal team is lodging an appeal against his jail 
sentence, at which Stop the War will be organising a protest  
calling for his immediate release.

PROTEST AT JOE GLENTON'S APPEAL HEARING  
CALLING FOR HIS IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
WEDNESDAY 21 APRIL 9.30AM  
ROYAL COURTS OF JUSTICE  
STRAND, LONDON WC2

************************************** 
6) IT'S OFFICIAL: THROWING SHOES AS A PROTEST IS ALLOWED

Seventy protestors face imprisonment for their involvement in 
the demonstrations in January 2009 against Israel's onslaught 
on Gaza, but one after another the cases are falling apart.

In the latest, Student Aquib Salim, 21, was likely to face  
prison for throwing a shoe at the Israeli Embassy but, as the 
Sunday Times reported (see http://bit.ly/b6b2h0 ), not now it 
has been revealed that the Metropolitan Police had said  
previously that throwing shoes as a sign of protest was  
permitted.

For background and updates to the Gaza Protestors Defence  
Campaign, see: http://bit.ly/d1FqIA

************************************** 
7) WATCHING THIS VIDEO ANGER CALCIFIES THE HEART

The video released by Wikileaks showing airmen in US  
helicopters slaughtering Iraqi civilians with unrestrained  
glee, is shocking enough in itself, but it is only unique in  
the footage we can now watch and hear which makes the atrocity 
irrefutable, unlike the countless occasions when Iraqis -- and 
Afghans -- have reported equivalent atrocities and were  
ignored.

See the video and the comments of Haifa Zangana, Iraqi 
novelist and former prisoner under Saddam Hussein, who tells  
how watching it made anger calcify in her heart:  
http://bit.ly/9iUnkT

************************************** 
LOBBY YOUR ELECTION CANDIDATES HERE: http://bit.ly/8X35fk  
**************************************

Forthcoming events in London

1. Debate: Should the Troops be in Afghanistan?

Wed 14 April 7pm.

Old Cinema lecture theatre, Westminster University, 309 Regent Street, W1B 2UW

In the weeks leading to the general election Stop the War is organising debates around the country on the war in Afghanistan. The London debate is on Wednesday 14 April. The participants include Mehdi Hasan from the New Statesman, Professor Christopher Coker from the London School of Economics, Martin Cakebread from the National Defence Association, and Lindsey German, Convenor of Stop the War. Please make every effort to attend. It's important that supporters of the occupation are in no doubt about the scale of the opposition to keeping the troops in Afghanistan. 2. Defending the Welfare State and Public Services March and Rally Saturday 10 April Assemble 12 noon for 1pm Temple Place, Embankment Rally 2pm, Trafalgar Square (with speakers, music and entertainment) Whoever wins the next general election will be looking at the welfare state and public services as a way of cutting public expenditure. This demonstration must therefore send a clear message to all the political parties that the majority of people do not want to see further cuts and privatisation. As Stop the War has pointed out this government has spent £12 billion on the Afghan war since 2001 and spent at least £45 billion on defence last year. That's money that could be spent on welfare, pensions and benefits. The demonstration is supported by the TUC, by all the major trade unions, by the BMA and by NHS: Keep our NHS public 3. London Conference: What Now for Iraq?

Date: Saturday, 10 April 2010
Time: 10:30 - 16:30
Location: Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, Holborn, London WC1R 4RL

A one day conference organised by WSIUI (Women Solidarity For Independent & Unified Iraq).

Iraq is moving towards a neo-colonial era of indirect rule. This is based on the Anglo and US - Iraq Status of Forces Agreement and the long-term US "strategic framework", to establish "cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and security fields". A situation similar, in many aspects, to the British neo-colonial rule in the aftermath of signing the 1930 treaty.

The conference will address the recent developments identifiable in the neo-colonial era especially through key areas of human rights, gender, damaged environment, the effects of the use of unconventional weapons, and cultural cleansing. It concludes by addressing the highly important issue of what should be done to establish justice for Iraq.

The Sessions are;

1- Human rights
2- Culture, Gender and occupation
3- Environment; the deadly reality.
4- The future starts now; International law and Justice for Iraq

About the speakers:

The four sessions feature Iraqi commentators including Dr Sana al Khayat (Academic), Dr Sawsan Al Assaf (Academic), Sabah al Mukhtar (President of the Arab Lawyers Association), Professor Zuhair Al Sharook (Academic), Mundher al Adhami (Academic), Salah al Hashimi (Lawyer), and Haifa Zangana (author & activist). Speakers from international organisations and activists including Dr Said Boumedouha (Amnesty International), Lindsey German (Convenor - Stop the War Coalition), Dirk Adriaensens (The B Russell s Tribunal), Mike Phipps (Iraq Occupation Focus), Tahrir Swift (Activist), Julie Flint (Journalist & film maker) and Nicholas Wood (author - Joint Secretary to The Blair War Crimes Foundation).

Women Solidarity For Independent & Unified Iraq (WSIUI)
http://solidarityiraq.blogspot.com

--
Hackney Stop The War

Afghanistan day of protest: 27 march‏

STOP THE WAR COALITION 
NEWSLETTER No. 1146  
22 March 2010 
Email office@stopwar.org.uk  
Tel: 020 7801 2768  
Web: http://stopwar.org.uk  
Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk

IN THIS NEWSLETTER  
1) AFGHANISTAN DAY OF PROTEST: 27 MARCH  
2) JOE GLENTON DEFENCE CAMPAIGN  
3) PALESTINE PROTEST AT MAYOR OF JERUSALEM VISIT  
4) DEFEND THE GAZA PROTESTORS 
5) LONDON DEBATE ON AFGHANISTAN

*********************************  
1) AFGHANISTAN DAY OF PROTEST: 27 MARCH

NATO forces are gearing up for a massive offensive on Kandahar 
in the next few months. Even in advance of that the death toll 
is rising -- 30 British soldiers have died in Afghanistan  
since the start of the year.

As the general election approaches, Stop the War groups will  
be campaigning to force the issue of Afghanistan onto the  
political agenda.

On March 27 there will be a Troops Out of Afghanistan day of  
action. Local Stop the War groups will be organising protests 
and petitioning local MPs. Many local groups are organising  
hustings debates and public meetings in the next few weeks.  
Contact the Stop the War office for details of events in your 
area: Email: office@stopwar.org.uk.  Call 020 7801 2768.

As part of our campaigning, Stop the War is producing a "Costs 
of War" leaflet, a questionnaire to put to all candidates  
standing in the election and a new pamphlet on Afghanistan.  
They will be available this week from the national office.

*********************************  
2) JOE GLENTON DEFENCE CAMPAIGN

Colchester Stop the War is organising a weekend of protest  
27/28 March in support of Joe Glenton, the British soldier who 
has been jailed for refusing to fight in Afghanistan (DETAILS, 
UPDATES & PETITION)

SATURDAY 27 MARCH  11.30AM-1PM 
MASS LEAFLET AND PETITION FOR RELEASE OF JOE GLENTON  
ELD LANE, COLCHESTER  
ESSEX CO1 1LS

SUNDAY 28 MARCH 1.30PM 
PROTEST OUTSIDE JOE'S PRISON  
MILITARY CORRECTIVE TRAINING CENTRE  
BERECHURCH HALL ROAD  
ESSEX CO2 9NU

For more details and to get involved, contact Kate, tel: 07834 
218 711, email: stwcolchester@hotmail.co.uk

*********************************  
3) PALESTINE PROTEST AT MAYOR OF JERUSALEM VISIT

Despite international pressure, the Israeli government 
continues its persecution of the Palestinians, making a  
mockery of any talk of a peace process. Not only did they  
announce a huge new settlement in East Jerusalem last week,  
but the Israeli police have been brutally attacking people  
protesting against plans for a new synagogue right next to the 
Al Aqsa Mosque. In addition, four Palestinian youths have been 
shot dead by Israeli soldiers in the last few days.

On Monday 22 march, Nir Barkat -- the Mayor of Jerusalem  
directly responsible for the new settlements -- is visiting  
London. We are urging all our supporters in London to join the 
protest outside Chatham House, where he is speaking.

MONDAY 22 MARCH 5PM  
CHATHAM HOUSE 
10 ST JAMES'S SQUARE  
LONDON SW1Y 4LE

*********************************  
4) DEFEND THE GAZA PROTESTORS

A defence campaign has been set up for the protestors who have 
been charged with offences at the Gaza demonstrations in  
January 2009. (DETAILS, UPDATES, PETITION:  
http://bit.ly/d1FqIA )

More than 20 of the 78 people charged have been sent to prison 
in an unprecedented campaign by the police. Almost all of  
those charged are Muslims. The campaign to defend the 
protestors has resulted in some good press coverage, and one  
of the first defendants to plead not guilty was acquitted last 
week.

Please sign the petition in defence of the protestors, which  
will be delivered to the Home Office at a protest on Tuesday  
30 March, 4.30pm.

SIGN THE PETITION ONLINE:  http://bit.ly/ccjdN8

DOWNLOAD THE PETITION FOR PRINTING: http://bit.ly/b1KAxH  
We are asking our supporters to download the petition for  
collecting signatures as widely as they can. Please send them 
to the Stop the War office in time for the 30 March protest at 
the Home Office.

*********************************  
5) LONDON DEBATE ON AFGHANISTAN

In the run up to the imminent general election, in which all  
the main parties will be supporting the war in Afghanistan,  
Stop the War is organising a series of debates around the  
country. Details for the debates will be posted on our website 
as they become available.

The details of the London debate are:

WEDNESDAY 14 APRIL 7PM 
DEBATE: Should the Troops be in Afghanistan?  
SPEAKERS: Mehdi Hasan from the New Statesman, Professor  
Christopher Coker from the London School of Economics, Martin 
Cakebread from the National Defence Association, and Lindsey  
German Convenor of Stop the War  
VENUE: The Old Cinema lecture theatre, Westminster University, 
309 Regent Street, W1B 2UW.

*********************************
-- 

Hackney Stop the War Film Show WINTER SOLDIERS II Wed 31 March, 7.30pm

Hackney Stop the War is pleased to present a showing of Winter Soldiers II.

This is a rare opportunity to hear powerful and moving testimony by US soldiers condemning the occupation of Iraq and the part they played in it. We also hear from analysts and Iraqis about the motives for the occupation and the resistance to it.

This film, released in 2008 and not previously shown in Britain, also predicts continuity in US foreign policy - something the Obama regime has confirmed in respect of Afghanistan.

********************************************

Hackney Stop the War

Film Show

WINTER SOLDIERS II

Wed 31 March, 7.30pm

Abney Hall, 73a Stoke Newington Church Street N16

(down alley way, virtually opposite fire station)

Buses: 73, 393, 476; 106, 276. Rail: Stoke Newington

Tickets on the door; £3 (£1.50 concessionals)

Jailed for protesting against Israeli war crimes‏

STOP THE WAR COALITION 
NEWSLETTER No. 1142  
24 February 2010  
Email office@stopwar.org.uk  
Tel: 020 7801 2768  
Web: http://stopwar.org.uk  
Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk


IN THIS NEWSLETTER:  
1) JAILED FOR PROTESTING AGAINST ISRAELI WAR CRIMES  
2) GORDON BROWN APPEARING AT IRAQ INQUIRY  
3) JOE GLENTON'S COURT MARTIAL FRIDAY 5 FEBRUARY  
4) IRAQ: THE PEOPLE'S DOSSIER PAMPHLET SELLING OUT

************************************  
1) JAILED FOR PROTESTING AGAINST ISRAELI WAR CRIMES

Young people who took part in the mass demonstrations against 
Israel's attack on Gaza in January 2009 are being handed down 
jail sentences for minor offences. A protest has been called  
this Friday 26 February at Isleworth Crown Court and there  
will be a public meeting, open to all, in Parliament next  
Tuesday 2 March (details below).

Friday's protest and Tuesday's public meeting will be in  
support of those now being treated so harshly by the courts,  
and to defend our democratic right of protest.

Israel's barbarism -- which devastated Gaza and left 1400 dead 
-- brought tens of thousands on to London's streets, including 
the demonstration of over 100,000 on 10 January 2009.

Numerous complaints were made about police aggressive 
behaviour on the Gaza demonstrations. Thousands of protestors 
were 'kettled' -- illegally held for hours and only released  
after the police had obtained their names and addresses.

In the months that followed the demonstrations, over 90  
protestors were arrested -- most of them Muslims, many of them 
teenagers, often in intimidating dawn raids. More than seventy 
of those arrested were charged with disorder offences.

The courts are now hearing these cases. The defendants 
pleading guilty are being tried first and the sentences have  
been draconian. The judge has made clear that he is issuing  
deterrent sentences.

We are seeing first-time offenders receiving two and a half  
years imprisonment for minor offences which would not normally 
face custodial sentences.

It is hard not to conclude that this is a concerted attempt by 
the police and judiciary to  criminalise protest, intimidating 
in particular young Muslims.

Meanwhile, there has been no investigation into the aggressive 
and often violent policing on the Gaza demonstrations, despite 
the high level of complaints.

And while these young people are facing years in prison for  
protesting against Israel's war crimes, no one is being held  
to account for those crimes, which have been fully documented 
by reports from the United Nations, Amnesty International,  
Human Rights Watch and others.

FOR MORE BACKGROUND TO THE COURT CASES, GO TO: 
http://bit.ly/daqyC7

FRIDAY 26 FEBRUARY, 9.30AM  
DEFEND THE RIGHT TO PROTEST  
SUPPORT THE GAZA PROTESTORS  
ISLEWORTH CROWN COURT 
36 Ridgeway Road, Isleworth TW7 5LP  
(nearest tube Osterley on the Piccadilly Line)

For more info: contact the Stop the War office: 020 7801 2768, 
office@stopwar.org.uk

NEXT TUESDAY 2 MARCH 6.30 PM - 8.30 PM 
PUBLIC MEETING ON JAILING OF GAZA PROTESTERS  
Speakers include Jeremy Corbyn MP, George Galloway MP, Andrew 
Murray (Stop the War), Betty Hunter (Palestine Solidarity  
Campaign), speaker from British Muslim Initiative  
COMMITTEE ROOM 19, HOUSE OF COMMONS, LONDON SW1  
(St Stephens entrance, allow plenty of time to get through  
security).  
Organised by Stop the War, PSC, BMI and supported by CND.

************************************  
2) GORDON BROWN APPEARING AT IRAQ INQUIRY

Stop the War has called a protest at the Iraq Inquiry on  
Friday 5 March when Prime minister Gordon Brown appears to  
give evidence on his role in the run up to the Iraq war.

Our protest when Tony Blair appeared on 29 January received  
world wide media coverage (SEE http://bit.ly/avPIQP ). Gordon 
Brown has as much blood on his hands as Blair for an illegal  
war that slaughtered around one million Iraqis. As chancellor 
of the exchequer, he bankrolled the war and never publicly  
distanced himself from plans as they were hatched for the  
invasion of Iraq.

Since becoming prime minister, Brown has been zealous in  
continuing the war policies of his predecessor, not least in  
his support for the unwinnable war in Afghanistan, which the  
latest BBC poll shows is opposed by two thirds of the British 
public (SEE http://bit.ly/9meRQf ).

STOP THE WAR PROTEST AT THE IRAQ INQUIRY  
BLOOD ON GORDON BROWN'S HANDS 
ASSEMBLE 8.30 AM, QUEEN ELIZABETH CONFERENCE CENTRE,  
BROAD SANCTUARY , WESTMINSTER  SW1  
(Nearest tubes St James's Park or Westminster)

************************************  
3) JOE GLENTON'S COURT MARTIAL FRIDAY 5 FEBRUARY

On the same day that Gordon Brown appears at the Iraq Inquiry, 
Lance Corporal Joe Glenton will face his court martial hearing 
in Colchester for refusing to return to fight in Afghanistan.

Stop the War will be protesting in support of Joe at the  
court. Anyone in London wishing to know about transport for  
travelling to the protest should contact the Stop the War  
office: Email office@stopwar.org.uk, Tel: 020 7801 2768

SUPPORT L/CPL JOE GLENTON  
FRIDAY 5 MARCH 9.30AM 
MILITARY COURT CENTRE 
MERVILLE BARRACKS, OFF BUTT RD 
COLCHESTER C027UT

FOR MORE DETAILS OF JOE'S CASE AND FOR FURTHER UPDATES, SEE:  
http://bit.ly/2vHCKR

************************************  
4) IRAQ: THE PEOPLE'S DOSSIER PAMPHLET SELLING OUT

Stop the War's latest pamphlet Iraq: The People's Dossier is  
selling out fast. Order now to avoid disappointment. £2 + 50p 
postage (£1 a copy for bulk orders of five or more).

TO ORDER GO TO:  http://bit.ly/bJCnhs

************************************

When the enemy vanishes -- kill civilians‏

STOP THE WAR COALITION 
NEWSLETTER No. 1141  
15 February 2010  
Email office@stopwar.org.uk  
Tel: 020 7801 2768  
Web: http://stopwar.org.uk  
Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk


IN THIS NEWSLETTER:  
1) WHEN THE ENEMY VANISHES - KILL CIVILIANS  
2) YOUR CHANCE TO MEET DAVID MILIBAND ON TOUR 
3) VIDEO: THE DAY THE WORLD SAID NO TO WAR  
4) PROTEST AT JOE GLENTON'S COURT MARTIAL  
5) IF YOU LIVE IN CENTRAL LONDON OR… 
6) SONG OF THE WEEK WITH VIDEO

****************************** 
1) WHEN THE ENEMY VANISHES - KILL CIVILIANS

Nato's current offensive in the town of Marjah is being  
portrayed as a low casualty mission in the "good war" to get  
rid of the Taliban.

If you were to believe the news broadcasts, it's already a  
success.

Since the assault was always intended to be as much a 
publicity stunt as serving any military objective, Barack  
Obama and Gordon Brown will certainly be pleased at how the  
media has snapped into line and acted as stenographers for  
Nato press releases.

The truth is, most of the few hundred Taliban fighters in  
Marjah vanished well before the much touted offensive began,  
not being stupid enough to face up to 15,000 of the most  
heavily armed troops on the planet.

Much of what we've seen on the TV screens looks like random  
firing into empty space to give the cameras footage for the  
evening news bulletins.

But with very few enemy to engage it wasn't long -- two days  
in fact-- before tragedy struck when a missile attack looking 
for Taliban to kill managed to slaughter 12 civilians, five of 
them children -- the very people this war was supposedly  
tailored to keep out of harm's way.

The attack on Marjah is no different from the numerous other  
Nato "clear, hold and build" missions -- except in the amount 
of media ballyhoo.

And there's no reason why this should be different in the  
outcome, with the Taliban withdrawing tactically and biding  
its time, before infiltrating back into the town, once the  
overblown Operation Moshtarak, and its accompanying media  
circus, has moved on to some other flashpoint of resistance to 
foreign occupation.

The only reason the invading armies continue fighting a war  
that cannot be won is in the hope that some escape route can  
be found, from Obama and Brown's "war of necessity", which  
will leave in tact the credibility of the Western powers'  
ability to invade other countries with impunity.

The deaths of the 12 civilians this weekend is a brutal  
reminder of the heavy price many Afghans will pay in the  
months and years to come to save the face of those responsible 
for prosecuting a futile and unjustifiable war.

****************************** 
2) YOUR CHANCE TO MEET DAVID MILIBAND ON TOUR

Foreign Secretary David Miliband will be touring Britain in  
the coming weeks, holding Labour Party meetings to discuss  
Britain's foreign policy.

He has been much in the news recently, having failed in his  
protracted attempt to cover up British involvement in 
kidnapping and torturing -- a defining feature of the "war on 
terror".

Britain is long past that era when a minister caught deceiving 
the British public on this scale, would have had to resign.  
All the more reason why everywhere he goes to speak he is met 
by protests over his collusion with torture and his continuing 
advocacy of a war which in the past week alone has seen seven 
British soldiers killed.

Stop the War is asking its local groups to organise protests  
in towns and cities where Miliband is speaking. His first  
meeting is in London this Friday.

DAVID MILIBAND PROTEST 
TROOPS OUT OF AFGHANISTAN  
FRIDAY 19 FEBRUARY 6.00PM  
ST PAUL'S CHURCH  
HAMMERSMITH BROADWAY  
LONDON W6

****************************** 
3) VIDEO: THE DAY THE WORLD SAID NO TO WAR

Today is the seventh anniversary of the biggest demonstration 
in history  that took place on 15 February 2003.

A must watch trailer for a feature length documentary, which  
will be both a historical record and a celebration of an  
unforgettable day, is now available on the Stop the War  
website (see http://bit.ly/FeWuS). The film is titled WE ARE  
MANY and the brilliantly directed trailer certainly whets the 
appetite for the film to come.

The filmmaker, Amir Amirani, writing with playwright Caryl  
Churchill in the Guardian, sums up the central theme of the  
film: "The legacy of 2003 is that today many feel that it  
would be impossible for any government, even one convinced of 
a case for a just war, to carry the nation with it. Wars  
corrode our political system. But protest is the engine of  
democracy." (Read here: http://bit.ly/bGRHpA)

It's a lesson drawn by Lindsey German, national convenor of  
Stop the War, who says, "It's still hard to believe how many  
marched, and looking at the pictures now it brings back  
memories which will be with me forever.

"If we had succeeded on that day, the world would have been a 
better and safer place. But that demonstration was not the end 
of the story. We have kept campaigning over Iraq and over  
Afghanistan, Palestine and Iran.

"The warmongers have been disgraced in the public mind but  
still need to be held to account. Most importantly we must  
keep organising to end the existing wars and occupations and  
to stop future ones."

VIDEO: WE ARE MANY: http://bit.ly/FeWuS  
SEE ALSO: http://www.wearemany.tv

****************************** 
4) PROTEST AT JOE GLENTON'S COURT MARTIAL

Lance Corporal Joe Glenton, the British Soldier who refused to 
return to Afghanistan, faces court martial on Friday 5 March. 
As a result of his brave public campaigning against the war  
and the support he has received from the anti-war movement,  
the Ministry of Defence has dropped the most serious charge of 
desertion.

However, Joe still faces the possibility of a prison term of  
up to two years and Stop the War is calling a protest at the  
court martial when he appears.

The court martial will be held in Colchester and Stop the War 
is asking its supporters to publicise the protest as widely as 
possible.

Anyone wishing to join us and who requires transport from  
outside London should contact our national office: Call 020  
7801 2768 or email office@stopwar.org.uk.

Protest To Defend Joe Glenton 
9.30am Friday 5 March 
The Military Court Centre  
Merville Barracks  
Off Butt Rd  
Colchester CO2 7UT

FOR UPDATES ON JOE'S CASE SEE: http://bit.ly/2vHCKR

****************************** 
5) IF YOU LIVE IN CENTRAL LONDON OR…

Stop the War has numerous local groups across the country and 
covering most areas of London. A Stop the War supporter in  
central London is planning to set up a group and urges anyone 
who lives there and would like to get involved to contact her 
through our national office.

If there is no local Stop the War group where you live, or in 
the college where you study, and you would like to set one up 
, the national office can provide advice, resources, speakers 
for meetings etc.

STOP THE WAR NATIONAL OFFICE: 
Call 020 7801 2768 or email office@stopwar.org.uk.

****************************** 
6) SONG OF THE WEEK WITH VIDEO

This week's anti-war song of the week is a new version of 19  
by Paul Hardcastle, an anti-war track selling in its millions 
in the 1980's. Paul says: "The similarities between Vietnam  
and Afghanistan are quite alarming." Here the song with video 
here: http://bit.ly/bXD59p

Hackney Stop the War Public Meeting CRISIS IN THE 'WAR ON TERROR': home and abroad

1) Please come to our next public meeting (which is also our AGM).

The new year brings a worsening of the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan as a result of increased military intervention in that area. Iran is under renewed threat and the Yemen is now under attack. Most people want the troops brought home. The government is desperately attempting to regain the initiative by banging on about the threat of terrorism.

That means that our next public meeting will be a chance to discuss the situation and debate what we do.

Public Meeting

CRISIS IN THE 'WAR ON TERROR': home and abroad

Speaker: Andrew Murray, chair of Stop the War Coalition

Tuesday 23 February @ 7.30pm

Round Chapel, Powerscroft Road, E5, Lower Clapton

Buses: 38, 48, 55, 106, 242, 253, 254, 425, 488.

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************
This meeting is open to everyone even though it is our AGM.

2) Please see attachment. This is a petition asking for donations to help Ibrahim Avcil's legal defence. The charge against Ibrahim relates to our protests against the Army Show Room in Dalston. If you are free, please come and support Ibrahim when he appears in court this Wed 10 February. Meet at 9.30am, Bow Magistrates Court, Bow Road, near Bow Road tube station.

Gareth Jenkins
Hackney Stop The War

SUPPORT IBRAHIM AVCIL

STOP POLICE HARASSMENT

DEFEND CIVIL LIBERTIES

Ibrahim Avcil, chair of Refugee Workers Cultural Association, faces serious charges following an incident involving security guards in Kingsland Shopping Centre last June. His arrest by the police is an attempt to intimidate Stop the War protests against the Army Showroom in Dalston.

Please help defend Ibrahim by donating to his legal costs.

NAME	ADDRESS	DONATION	SIGNATURE

Haiti Disaster Relief: A Fundraiser @ The Rio Cinema 6th February

Occupation by the US military is not just in the Middle East...
******************************

************************

Haiti Disaster Relief: A Fundraiser @ The Rio Cinema 6th February

Please join us for a special screening of A Charmed Life - a documentary examining the life and times of London resident Eddie Martin Noble (1917-2007). The film gives a historical perspective to the issues around colonisation of the Caribbean. Racism, the colour bar and racial inequality equality in post-war Britain are also covered in this comprehensive analysis of the life of the man that inspired the best-selling novel Small Island by Andrea Levy. Further details:

http://charmedlifecampaign.wordpress.com/about <http://charmedlifecampaign.wordpress.com/about>

The documentary will be followed by a discussion with guest speaker Diane Abbott MP on the issues raised and how we can best aid the current situation in Haiti. By joining us you will help us raise money for Haiti Disaster Relief. This event is organised by Every Generation, Rio Cinema and supported by BEMA Network and Artists in Support of Haiti. Further information contact BEMA Arts e: bemainfo@hcvs.org.uk or egeninfo@tgis.co.uk Tel: Cllr Patrick Vernon 07976 731 539

Date: Saturday 6th February

Time: 1.30pm - 3pm

Venue: The Rio Cinema, Dalston

Booking: Contact the Rio box office on 0207 241 9410 or www.riocinema.org.uk <http://www.riocinema.org.uk/>

IRAN: WHAT LIES AHEAD - meeting central London 3 Feb

IRAN: WHAT LIES AHEAD

Was Tony Blair given prior notice of Barack Obama's decision to site Patriot missiles in four Gulf states? This might explain his repeated warmongering last Friday, when no less
than 58 times he pointed the finger at Iran.

Obama's 'defensive shield' is in reality an act of aggression against Iran, which has faced repeated aggression from the US and its allies in the region, in particular Israel -- the only nuclear armed state in the Middle East.

Stop the War is committed to campaigning against any attack on Iran. Lindsey German, Stop the War's convenor will be speaking at an important meeting in London on Wednesday 3 February, organised by Campaign Iran.

IRAN: WHAT LIES AHEAD?
THE MOVEMENT, SANCTIONS AND THE WEST.
WEDNESDAY 3 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM
BLOOMSBURY BAPTIST CHURCH
235 SHAFTESBURY AVENUE,
LONDON WC2 H8E

For more details see: http://bit.ly/4Izh6F

Attempt to ban protest outside Blair inquiry‏

STOP THE WAR COALITION 
NEWSLETTER  
No. 1137 26 January 2010  
Email office@stopwar.org.uk  
Tel: 020 7801 2768  
Web: http://stopwar.org.uk  
Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk

IN THIS NEWSLETTER  
1) ATTEMPT TO BAN PROTEST OUTSIDE BLAIR INQUIRY  
2) AFGHAN MEETING HAS ADDED URGENCY  
3) PROTEST AT GORDON BROWN'S AFGHANISTAN CONFERENCE

**********************************  
1) ATTEMPT TO BAN PROTEST OUTSIDE BLAIR INQUIRY

Negotiations between the police and Stop the War broke down  
today when it became clear that the government is trying to  
hide our legitimate peaceful protest from Tony Blair when he  
gives evidence to the Chilcot Inquiry on Friday.

After days in which we were told by the police that they would 
try to facilitate our protest, Stop the War has been told we  
will not be allowed to protest on the grass outside the QEII  
Conference Centre.

This is a denial of our democratic rights and Stop the War  
will now call for the widest possible mobilisation, not just  
to express the majority view in this country that Tony Blair  
should be held to account for war crimes, but in defence of  
the right to protest.

Why should the public be denied the right to peaceful protest, 
particularly when the latest evidence given to the Chilcot  
Committee shows beyond doubt that Tony Blair knew he was  
taking Britain into an illegal war, and that he doctored legal 
advice to deceive his Cabinet, Parliament and the British  
public.

Stop the War is calling on all its supporters, local groups  
and affiliated organisations to mobilise the widest possible  
support for the Blair protest on Friday.

We urge everyone who can to join the demonstration at the QEII 
Conference Centre from 8am. Full details for the planned  
events are here: http://bit.ly/8mKM0T

Spread the word as widely as you can among your family,  
friends, work colleagues, fellow students etc, etc

TONY BLAIR'S "JUDGEMENT DAY"  
DEFEND THE RIGHT TO PROTEST  
Friday 29 January from 8.00am onwards 
Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre  
Broad Sanctuary, London, SW1P 3EE  
Nearest tube: Westminster

**********************************  
2) AFGHAN MEETING HAS ADDED URGENCY

The public meeting From Iraq to Afghanistan on Wednesday 27  
January has added urgency, given government attempts to  
curtail our right to protest.

Included in the discussion on Afghanistan will be the issue of 
how we can build the widest mobilisation possible to defend  
our democratic right to protest peacefully.

Speakers include Tony Benn, George Galloway MP, Seumas Milne  
from The Guardian, German MP Christine Buchholz, Kate Hudson  
from CND and Lindsey German from Stop the War Coalition.

STOP THE WAR/CND PUBLIC MEETING  
FROM IRAQ TO AFGHANISTAN  
WEDNESDAY 27 JANUARY 7.00PM  
CAMDEN CENTRE, BIDBOROUGH STREET  
LONDON WC1H 9DB

The limited edition JAIL TONY t-shirt, specially designed by  
Katharine Hamnett for Stop the War, will be on sale at this  
meeting. For a picture, see: http://bit.ly/72lcYY

The new Stop the War pamphlet, Iraq: The People's Dossier,  
will also be on sale.

**********************************  
3) PROTEST AT GORDON BROWN'S AFGHANISTAN CONFERENCE

Thursday 28 January, 8.30am,  
Lancaster House, Stable Yard, 
St James's, London SW1A 1BB

Protest when Gordon Brown hosts his international conference, 
attended by Hilary Clinton, President Karzai, Ban Ki-moon from 
the UN, and representatives of all the US-led countries that  
are waging war in Afghanistan.

**********************************

To Shoot An Elephant screening in Hackney tomorrow

The people's voice on Blair's judgement day‏

STOP THE WAR COALITION 
NEWSLETTER  
No. 1135 24 January 2010  
Email office@stopwar.org.uk  
Tel: 020 7801 2768  
Web: http://stopwar.org.uk  
Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk

IN THIS NEWSLETTER  
1) THE PEOPLE'S VOICE ON BLAIR'S JUDGEMENT DAY 
2) NEW PAMPHLET - IRAQ: A PEOPLE'S DOSSIER  
3) PUBLIC MEETING: FROM IRAQ TO AFGHANISTAN  
4) GORDON BROWN'S WAR CONFERENCE  
5) L/CPL JOE GLENTON'S COURT MARTIAL HEARING  
6) FUNDING A WEEK OF ANTI-WAR PROTEST

*******************************  
1) THE PEOPLE'S VOICE ON BLAIR'S JUDGEMENT DAY

Writers, musicians, relatives of the dead, Iraqi refugees,  
poets, human rights  
lawyers, comedians, well known actors, MPs and ordinary  
citizens are joining a day of protest, performance and 
politics outside the Iraq Inquiry on Friday 29 January, as  
Tony Blair faces his judgement day.

People who oppose Britain's foreign wars are coming from all  
corners of the country. The verdict on Blair will affect  
present and future wars. It needs to be made clear to the  
world that people here regard him as a man guilty of taking  
Britain into an illegal war.

The approximate timetable for Tony Blair's Judgement Day at  
the QE2 Conference Centre, is as follows:

8.00: PROTEST STARTS AS BLAIR ARRIVES 
A delegation including Iraqi citizens and grieving military  
families take the People's Dossier of questions for Tony Blair 
to Sir John Chilcot.

9.00-10.00: NAMING OF THE DEAD CEREMONY  
When Blair's testimony begins, names of Iraqis killed in the  
war will be read by novelist A.L Kennedy, Musician Brian Eno, 
actor and director Sam West, actor and director Simon 
McBurney, playwright David Edgar, Lancet editor Richard  
Horton, former UK ambassador Craig Murray, Iraqi author Haifa 
Zangana, comedian and author Alexei Sayle, actor Miriam  
Margoyles, and more.

10.00-11.00: SPEECHES, READINGS AND PERFORMANCES  
Including by many of those participating in the Naming the  
Dead ceremony.

12.00-13.00: PERFORMANCE FROM LOWKEY, KING BLUES AND  
OTHER MUSICIANS.

13.00-14.00: MILITARY FAMILIES NAMING OF THE DEAD  
Members of military families who lost loved ones in the Iraq  
war will read the names of all 179 British soldiers who died.

16.00: PROTEST AS TONY BLAIR LEAVES THE INQUIRY

Tony Blair's Judgement Day  
Friday 29 January from 8.00am 
Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre  
Broad Sanctuary, London, SW1P 3EE  
Nearest tube: Westminster

*******************************  
2) NEW PAMPHLET - IRAQ: A PEOPLE'S DOSSIER  
A new Stop the War pamphlet, IRAQ: A PEOPLE'S DOSSIER, will be 
available on Blair's Judgement Day. It is a compilation  
representing the voices that have been excluded from the Iraq 
Inquiry - that is, the majority of people in Britain who  
consistently opposed Tony Blair's war.

*******************************  
3) PUBLIC MEETING: FROM IRAQ TO AFGHANISTAN

WEDNESDAY 27 JANUARY 7PM  
CAMDEN CENTRE, BIDBOROUGH STREET  
LONDON WC1H 9DB

At this Stop the War/CND public meeting leading figures will  
focus on another war initiated war by Tony Blair, and expose  
the lies behind the "good war" in Afghanistan.

Speakers include  Tony Benn, Seumas Milne (The Guardian),  
George Galloway MP, a speaker from the German movement, Kate  
Hudson (CND) and Lindsey German (Stop the War) .

*******************************  
4) GORDON BROWN'S WAR CONFERENCE

The day before Blair appears at the Chilcot inquiry, on  
Thursday 28 January, Gordon Brown has called a war conference 
on Afghanistan, which will be attended by Hilary Clinton,  
President Karzai and representatives from all the Nato 
countries supporting the US-led occupation. Stop the War and  
CND are organising a protest demanding an end to a war which  
is every bit as immoral and devastating as the war in Iraq.

Protest on Thursday 28 January, 8.30am, Lancaster House,  
Stable Yard, St James's, London SW1A 1BB

*******************************  
5) L/CPL JOE GLENTON'S COURT MARTIAL HEARING

It is ironic that Tony Blair is facing an inquiry into his  
decision to send soldiers to an illegal war which has 
slaughtered hundreds of thousands on the same day that a  
soldier who refuses to fight what he regards as another  
unjustifiable war started by Blair is facing court martial.

Lance Corporal Joe Glenton, faces the first hearing of his  
court martial on Friday 29 January at Bulford in Wiltshire.  
Stop the War has called a picket to support Joe. Supporters  
travelling from London will meet with anti-war activists in  
Wiltshire.

It is essential that the only soldier to stand up and say  
publicly what many soldiers privately admit - that the war in 
Afghanistan is both unwinnable and unjustifiable - gets the  
widest possible support from the anti-war movement. Messages  
of support can be sent to Joe at defendjoeglenton@gmail.com.

For more information and updates on his case, see:  
http://bit.ly/2vHCKR

*******************************  
6) FUNDING A WEEK OF ANTI-WAR PROTEST

Stop the War has had a hectic beginning to 2010, with three  
major events and the publication of a new pamphlet this week. 
We are now gearing up for the general election campaign, to  
ensure that the war in Afghanistan is not sidelined by the  
major political parties, all of which supported the recent  
troop surge that will inevitably lead to further escalation  
following eight years which have brought nothing but ever  
increasing levels of death and destruction.

We have had a tremendous response to our emergency appeal for 
funds this month, but we still urgently need financial support 
to help sustain our activities and events for peace. We rely  
entirely on the contributions of our members and supporters  
for funding. If you have not donated to the current appeal,  
please consider doing so now:

How to donate: 
   * Donate online: http://bit.ly/8g4iQ4  
   * By credit/debit card: Call 020 7801 2768 
   * By post: Send cheque made out to "Stop the War  
Coalition":  
     231 Vauxhall Bridge Road 
     London UK  
     SW1V 1EH

Protest days in January

23 January, 1.30pm: Protest outside Army Show Room at Kingsland Shopping Centre, opposite Dalston Kingsland Station. Come and give out leaflets to publicise the blocade of Brown's Afghanistan Conference on 28 January and Blair's judgement day on 29 January. Helping us will be a masked Tony Bliar (no, not the real one) to answer any questions you have. 27 January: Central London Public Meeting Why we should get out of Afghanistan

Speakers: Tony Benn, Seumas Milne, George Galloway MP, a speaker from the German movement, Kate Hudson (CND), Lindsey German (Stop the War) 7pm, Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, London WC1H9DB

28 January: Blockade Gordon Brown's Afghanistan conference

Gordon Brown's international conference on Afghanistan is part of a concerted effort to revive the brand Afghanistan as "the good war". In reality the warmongers are gathering for a war council masquerading as a peace conference, which is why Stop the War has called for a blockade. Blockade Gordon Brown's War Conference Thursday 28 January 8.30am Lancaster House, Stable Yard, St James's London SW1A 1BB

29 January: Tony Blair's Judgement Day

Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre, Westminster, London SW1P 3EE On Friday 29 January, Tony Blair try to explain to the Iraq Inquiry the lies he used to take Britain into an illegal war. Stop the War will hold an all-day protest outside the inquiry, which will include a naming the dead ceremony, street theatre, poetry readings, music and other performances. Many military families will be there for the appearance of the man responsible for the deaths of their loved ones.It is time for the voice of the majority to be heard. Over 60% of the British public opposed the invasion in 2003. Today 52% say Blair deliberately misled parliament and the country. One in four say he should face trial for war crimes. On 29 January we will demand no whitewash by the Iraq Inquiry. Join us from 8.00am onwards

The people's dossier versus the dodgy dossier‏

STOP THE WAR COALITION 
17 January 2010 
Email office@stopwar.org.uk 
Tel: 020 7801 2768 
Web: http://stopwar.org.uk 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk

THE PEOPLE'S DOSSIER VERSUS THE DODGY DOSSIER

Have you submitted your question to Tony Blair for the 
People's Dossier, which Stop the War will be presenting to the 
Iraq Inquiry? Hundreds of questions have been sent in, 
including contributions from Hans von Sponeck, the former UN 
coordinater in Iraq, musician Brian Eno and a number of 
military families.

Sami Ramadani, from Iraqi Democrats Against Occupation, has 
sent in this question:

Mr Blair, you have often said that you "strongly believed" you 
were doing "the right thing" when you sent British troops to 
invade and occupy Iraq. Considering that Hitler and other war 
criminals strongly believed that what they were doing was 
right, do you think that strongly believing in something makes 
it right, or pardonable if it proved to be terribly wrong?

Last week Alistair Campbell told the Iraq Inquiry he defends 
"every single word" of the dossier presented to parliament in 
September 2002. Blair wrote in the forward that it showed 
"beyond doubt" that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, when 
both he and Campbell knew full well that the intelligence had 
not produced any evidence that they existed.

The second "dodgy" dossier" published in February 2003 was an 
even more blatant fabrication intended to justify war crimes.

If you haven't sent in your question yet, please do so now. 
Blair will be appearing at the Iraq Inquiry within the next 
three weeks and we want the People's Dossier to be 
representative of everyone who protested in such vast numbers 
against his warmongering under the slogan "not in our name".

HOW TO SEND YOUR QUESTION 
Send it by email to Stop the War. Write "Blair question" in 
the subject title of the email and send to 
office@stopwar.org.uk

SEE UPDATES TO THE PEOPLE'S DOSSIER 
We have posted a selection of questions received so far here: 
http://bit.ly/5lfaSN 
We will be posting the full list of questions received soon, 
which will be update daily.

PROTEST THE DAY BLAIR GIVES EVIDENCE 
Stop the war will call a protest outside the Iraq Inquiry when 
Blair appears to insist there is no whitewash of his war 
crimes. There will be events all day, including a naming the 
dead ceremony, poetry readings, music and other performances.