This is the translation of an appeal (1 Aralikta Alanlara!) published by the Turkish Marxist website Marksist Tutum for the forthcoming antiwar demo in Istanbul on December 1. The original Turkish version is also available in pdf format to be downloaded and printed out.
As the deadly game of hide-and-seek with the arms inspectors drags on,
there is speculation by some that perhaps war can be avoided. Such
diplomatic minuets should fool nobody. The military build-up in the
Gulf has practically reached the point of no return. The USA is intent
on occupying Iraq. There is not the slightest doubt about this. They
have even made detailed plans of how the US-run colonial administration
will operate. The aim of American imperialism is to make sure they have
full control of Iraq and its oil.
The so-called "struggle against terrorism" is nothing but a cynical
pretext for feeding the voracious appetite of the greatest economic and
military power in the world. The arrogant war-mongering of George W.
Bush reflects the brutality of the American ruling class, which in its
struggle for the control of resources, raw materials, markets, trade
routes and spheres of influence, is ready to destroy any obstacle it
finds in its path.
Faced with the imminent war which US imperialism is preparing against
Iraq, the Spanish Students' Union, as part of the international week of
action against the war, has called for a Students' Day of Struggle on
Thursday, February 13, which will consist of a national students'
strike and demonstrations in all cities in Spain.
The western alliance is now deeply fractured on the question of war
with Iraq. Divisions within the Security Council are growing. France
and Germany have pledged to try to prevent a war, even if that means
not supporting America in a UN vote. Does this negate what we wrote
concerning the position of France and Russia? Not at all. It was always
clear that the French, Russians and Germans were opposed to the policy
of the USA in relation to Iraq. They have different interests and
therefore different policies. That was never in doubt. But the point is
that this will not deflect the American imperialists from carrying out
their declared aims.
The words of George Bush’s annual state-of-the-union address were full
of lofty sentiments. But the President aims were more prosaic. There is
growing opposition at home to his war plans. And half way through his
first term of office, his popularity ratings are falling. He is worried
that he may not get re-elected in two years’ time.
Join us!