Month: February 2006

EDM 1689 reads as follows: Iraqi Trade Unions That this House supports the independent and democratic Iraqi trade union movement, mainly centred around the newly merged Iraqi Workers Federation (IWF) and the Kurdish trade unions, which play an important role in re-building of its devastated national economy and consolidating the current political process in order to create a democratic, united and federal state after years of repression and hardship at the hands of the deposed dictatorship of Saddam; is, therefore, deeply disturbed that on 8 August 2005 the Iraqi council of ministers issued Decree 8750 which declared that union finances … Continue reading Dave Anderson, LFIQ Chair tables Commons motion in defence of Iraqi trade unions

The International Crisis Group suggests that although the sectarian violence may die down in the short term, the structural dynamic still indicates that civil war is likely. CNN has interviewed the Iraqi national security adviser who remains more optimistic. However, at least one Iraqi blogger suggests that the reported violence may have been exaggerated. (David Spector)

Jabbar Hasan Director Of The Iraqi Community Association In London tells the Mirror his views of the current situation in Iraq. I think all Iraqis were guilty of wishful thinking when they denied the danger of sectarian conflict. We have just seen an act of terrorism timed and planned to spin Iraq into civil war. It is up to community leaders and politicians to get a grip of the situation, but Saddam’s Ba’athist party members, jihadists and foreign powers are all interested in destabilising the situation further. In a civil war the only winners will those who are against the … Continue reading The stakes are very high

Public Meeting To Defeat Terrorism and Sectarian Sedition and Consolidate Iraqi National Unity Organised by: Co-ordinating Committee of Iraqi Democratic Forces (UK) Saturday, 25 February 2006, 7.00 p.m, The Polish Centre, Malinowa Room, 2nd Floor, 238-246 King Street, London W6 0RF (Nearest underground: Hammersmith or Ravenscourt Park) ** Speakers will include representatives of Iraqi political groups in Britain. The meeting is open to all members of the Iraqi community, as well as British friends and the media. Our homeland Iraq is going through extremely difficult days and a deep political crisis as a result of the repercussions of the criminal … Continue reading Co-ordinating Committee of Iraqi Democratic Forces public meeting Saturday 24th February

Both the United Nations envoy to Iraq, Ahraf Qazi, and the European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana have condemned the shrine bombing and subsequent sectarian violence. The former is inviting political, religious and civil leaders to discussions aimed at easing tensions. And Baghdad Blogger suggests cautious optimism. (David Spector)

The Iraqi Foreign Minister, Hoshyar Zebari has argued that insurgents are trying everything to foment civil war and sectarian violence. President Talabani will be calling for a joint demonstration of Shiites and Sunni Muslims to show unity. (David Spector)

The Times Leader argues that Iraq is not, though, at a stage where it can afford the luxury of lethargy. A government should be established by the middle of next month. It could then consider amendments to the constitution to reassure Sunnis further. If that were to take place, and it is not an impractical possibility, then the overwhelming bulk of Iraqis would be willingly bound into a democratic, federal and pluralist political order. This is a plausible prospect that many critics have long dismissed as impossible. It would not, alas, eliminate overnight tragedies such as car bombings or the … Continue reading The need for unity

Solidarity Day with NGOs to Abolish Decree 8750 The “Co-ordinating Committee for the NGOs Conference” has considered the 6th of February a day of solidarity for abolishing the government Decree 8750, issued on 8 August 2005. The Committee, that includes the Iraqi Council for Peace and Solidarity and the Unions and Associations Co-ordinating Committee, held meetings yesterday at the headquarters of both the Engineers Association and the Peace Council. Banners were also raised at the buildings of all unions and vocational organisations. The “Co-ordinating Committee for the NGOs Conference” had issued an Urgent Appeal, addressed to the President, the government, … Continue reading Solidarity Day with NGOs to Abolish Decree 8750

Michael Totten travels to Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan with some lovely pictures too.

Normblog carries a superb letter from a reader in the Daily Telegraph which goes to prove the old adage that just because something appears in the Daily Telegraph does not mean it is not true. Gary Kent During the past few weeks, I have done some careful research into what is happening in Iraq. I have discovered that 47 countries have re-established their embassies there. The current Iraq government employs 1.2 million Iraqis. More than 3,100 schools have been renovated and 364 are being rehabilitated, with 263 under construction. Twenty universities and 46 institutes are operating. Some 4.3 million Iraqi … Continue reading The reality of life in Iraq