Re: [Marxism] A Nationalist Reaction Has Been Ignited

[<g.maclennan@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Which side are you on, boy?

The situation in Iraq has brought out the best and the worst 
in leftists and liberals alike.  Petras, Cockburn and Woods 
have all given us fine pieces, though I am inclined to agree 
with Lueko's reservations about the last piece around the 
question of Saddam's role.

But what can one say about liberals such as Aaronovitz of the 
Guardian and his particularly awful interview with Shakr al-
Dujeily, a member of the Iraqi Communist Party? 
(http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,3604,1188732,00.html)

Philip has asked in the post what is happening with the 
secular opposition in Iraq.  Well may he ask when the likes 
of Shakr represent secularism. The collaboroation of the ICP 
is one of the darkest moments in the history oc officials CPs 
and there have been many.

And then of course there is the SWP in the USA - enough said.


Ceasefire?

The question of the ceasefire that never was is extremely 
important, I think as it indicates something of the forces 
that are in play.  This was given as a political sop to the 
Ruling Council, which is coming under enormous pressure over 
their collaboration with the butchers.

However according to al Jazeera it was overruled by the 
American military, because of the effect it would have on the 
ground assault on the Fallujah resistance.

So military imperatives rule at the moment.  The US Army is 
back to its old âIf you have them by the balls, the hearts 
and minds will followâ approach that was such a disaster in 
Vietnam


Variety of tactics employed

I wanted to talk of the nature of the resistance as far as we 
can guage it from this distance.  
Faced with an enormously powerful enemy the insurgents seem 
to have resorted to every possible tactic. These have 
included mass demonstrations, stone throwing, sniping, 
sabotage, suicide bombing, sniping, assassination of 
collaborators, kidnapping, and the seizure and defence of key 
installations.  No wonder the situation is now out of control 
and the USA military and the politicians are singing from 
different hymn books.

Conclusions

I have said before that I do not think the present phase of 
the resistance can be maintained, that the uprising will be 
crushed and the attempt to liberate territory will be driven 
back.  But that will not prevent the victory that is coming 
for the people of Iraq over the invaders.

And that is where we who are outside Iraq have a role to play.

regards

Gary


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