arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)

Even if the headlines don't mention it anymore, a war is going on in Iraq. Mass destruction weapons are yet to find, but the oil have been found! But the situation for the population is a disaster. The country is occupied by paranoïd soldiers and civilians are permanently being killed, arrested or harassed. Basic needs aren't filled anymore because of the chaos, the plundering of hospitals and public services, and so on.

Therefore the peace movements whom didn't succeded to stop the USA and their [ few ] allies to start the agression are no demanding the occupation troops to leave Iraq and organized world wide days of mobilization from September 25th to 28th, exactly two years after the begun of the second Intifada [ 'uprising' ] in Palestine.

This afternoon's demonstration gathered about 2,000 people whom marched from Rouppe square to Marché au Grains square where there were speaches and music were performed. The all event occured in a relax atmosphere, with many families and children, music and humor.

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call for the demonstration + list of the organizations
in French: http://archive.indymedia.be/news/2003/09/73015.php
in Dutch: http://archive.indymedia.be/news/2003/09/73014.php
last files about Iraq on Indymedia.be: http://archive.indymedia.be/news/2003/09/73389.php

Despite a light promotion of the event, about 2,000 people from different political organizations, NGOs an, trade unions demonstrate to remind the occupation and demand US troops to leave Iraq.

Usual slogans were heard, like "Bush, Sharon, assassins", " Bush, CIA, how many kids did you killed today" or "we don't need your occupation" sung on Pink Floyd's Wall tune. Even the old "yankees go home" is getting fashionable again.

A group of Socialist Christian [ the main Belgian trade union ] trade unionists took part to the demonstration. Some section of this organization are really mobilized against war and have organized a travel to Iraq last spring. One of them made a speach at the end of the demonstration reminding that the war is actually going on since the first Gulf war, and that this war is also against workers in USA and here. According to her the role of the trade union is to protect the workers, any workers, Iraqis asweel as Belgian workers.

The well known NGO 11.11.11 took part to the demo with their brass band.

… what else could it smell when the country that have the second oil stocks is occupied ?
Many signs and slogans weredirectly targeting oul companies such as Esso or Texaco, while other were calling to boycott US goods, mile Mother Earth, with its 'Boycott Bush' campain [ English: http://www.motherearth.org/USboycott/index.php ]

After a wedding, people use to go around in the city honking. Those passed by the demo and did supported it by honking some more, taking posters and waving them!

Michael Wolf came from USA to express the voice of the people: most of them are against the war and are suffering from the drastic cuts made in the budgects of education and healthcare. Hundred of thousands of people have been demonstrating in many cities in the USA but the 'not so elected' gevernment don't listen to them.

... and much more noise is needed!

Next major anti-war mobilization in Belgium will be the 'Get in SHAPE' on October 25th.
During this action, peace activists will try to enter the S.H.A.P.E. in the NATO headquarter for Europe for a 'civilian inspection'.
More on http://www.bomspotting.be

The issue about Palestine and Iraq remain closely linked in all demonstration. Both country are suffering from the imperialist Western policy in the Middle East, and both resistance are inspiring and giving hope to many people across the regio and around the world.

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