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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

Iraqi officials outline major oil and electricity plans. (David Spector)

A major Emerging Market investor perceives an upturn in Iraqi fortunes. (David Spector)

The American socialist Jeff Weintraub offers an analysis which differs from his compatriot Michael Moore. Jeff examines polling data on what Iraqis think and concludes that these figures do offer one more reality check for those opponents of the war who have claimed to be acting on behalf of the wishes and well-being of Iraqis. (David Spector)

You don’t have to go back on opposing or supporting the war to understand that things have changed in Iraq. Against the odds, brave comrades are setting up a new trade union movement. A healthy labour movement in Britain would make it a key task to provide maximum solidarity to its sisters and brothers in Iraq who face a serious threat to their independence from the Iraqi Government as well as from terrorism. It’s high time that the British left and unions followed the example of unions such as Unison, the FBU and the RMT in doing all they can … Continue reading Contribution by LFIQ Director Gary Kent to LFIQ meeting at Commons

A fascinating glimpse of life in Iraq. Hat Tip: Normblog

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)

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