Author: garykent

Iranian Bus workers dispute – Protest Wednesday 15 February 2006

An international day of protest has been organised for Wednesday 15th February 2006. The TUC and the International Transport Workers Federation has asked UK affiliates to protest at the Iranian embassy (16 Princes Gate, London SW7 1PT) from 11am on Wednesday 15th February. If you can attend please bring your union banners, flags etc. (Hat Tip Matewan/Harry’s Place)

Commons meeting on democratic consolidation in Iraq

Labour Friends of Iraq (LFIQ) briefing/seminar on Democratic Consolidation in Iraq and support for Grassroots Iraq Tuesday 14th February 6-8pm House of Commons Chair: Dave Anderson MP (Chair LFIQ) Speakers Abdullah Muhsin: International Representative, Iraqi Workers Federation (IWF) Kevin Curran: Co-ordinator, Food Service Workers’ Alliance for Growth, International Union of Foodworkers (IUF) Speaker from Iraqi Community Association (ICA) Gary Kent: Director LFIQ There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion. The meeting is timed to discuss the position of progressive forces in Iraq following the elections and the current moves to form a government as well as to … Continue reading Commons meeting on democratic consolidation in Iraq

Whispers of the end game in Iraq?

The UN Iraq envoy Ashraf Jehangir Qazi has denounced political violence in any form saying it was a major impediment to achieving national unity and stability whilst U.S. officials have met figures from some Sunni Arab insurgent groups but have so far not received any commitment for them to lay down their arms. (David Spector)

The state of the Iraqi economy

The Iraq Directory carries an interview with Sinan Mohammed Rida Al-Shabibi, the governor of the Central Bank of Iraq. He discusses debt, inflation and concludes on an optimistic note – We have very good talents. The only problem with the Iraqis is that they were not exposed to the world because of the war, [U.N.] sanctions and the policies of the [Saddam Hussein] regime. (David Spector)

Najaf

Najaf, one of the holiest sites in the world now considered one of the safest places in Iraq. (David Spector)

Iraqi Oil

War on Want has published a pamphlet called Crude Designs – The rip-off of Iraqs Oil Wealth. This report calls for full and open debate in Iraq about the way oil resources are to be developed, not 30-year deals negotiated behind closed doors.