10.10.2001

Socialist Alliance press statement on bombings

The Socialist Alliance has condemned tonight?s military assault on Afghanistan and called for all those opposed to this unjust war to protest in Trafalgar Square on Monday evening from 6pm and on Saturday October 13 in the central London demonstration called by CND.

A Socialist Alliance spokesperson said: ?As of 8pm tonight, at least 50 Cruise missiles, 15 bomber raids and scores of fighter aircraft assaults had been launched against the cities of Kabul, Kandahar, Jelalabad and other targets inside Afghanistan.

?There is no justification for this attack, which does nothing to procure justice for the victims of September 11 in the USA and, far from deterring terrorism, may make it more likely. It has certainly already taken the lives of many who bear no responsibility whatsoever for the attacks on the USA. Working people in Britain and around the world have nothing to gain from this military assault.

?As socialists, we stand tonight with the poverty-stricken people of Afghanistan, as we stood with the working people of New York and Washington. This war is being waged not for democracy, but for the corporate elites of the USA, Britain and the rich nations of the world. These elites seek to replace the Taliban with another reactionary and undemocratic regime.

?We look to the people of Afghanistan, not the self-seeking western powers, to topple the Taliban and build a new society. To do that, they need food and material assistance - not cruise missiles and yet more arrogant superpower meddling.

?The Socialist Alliance will work with all others opposed to this war, through our trade unions, through the Stop the War Coalition, in local anti-war committees and other forums, to build a movement that reflects the full breadth and diversity of anti-war opinion in this country?.

October 7