After Iraq - which way forward for the movement?

As the dust settles in newly 'liberated' Iraq, the neo-conservative Right has become increasingly bold and shrill in their denunciations of prior Left opposition to the war. With victory, we are told, has come vindication. Amid apparent signs of jubilation on the 'Iraqi street', the Left, so the story goes, has been 'shamed' by its 'blind Anti-Americanism.' The anti-war movement - which at one stage drew 200,000 onto the streets of Melbourne and Sydney respectively, and perhaps 2 million onto the streets of London, has thus been dismissed as something of a 'misguided embarrassment'. Meanwhile, many of the Left's most dire predictions have failed to eventuate, leading some to suggest a crisis of credibility.

It seems pertinent, therefore, to pose the question: what really did happen in Iraq? What is 'the way forward' for a movement confronted by triumphant neo-conservative proclamations of 'victory' and 'vindication'? What is more: what does the future hold for Iraq, and what are the Americans likely to do from here?

Counting the Human Cost and accounting for the Collapse

Few saw any reason to doubt the projections of the British medical association, Medact, when it was suggested a war could result in as many as 48,000-260,000 casualties.

(ie: fatalities) Most recently, however, the 'Iraq Body Count' web site, drawing from a broad range of sources, estimated that the present civilian death toll stands at approximately 2,700. Some suppose that Iraqi military casualties could range as high as 15,000, but certainly the Pentagon is in no rush to validate or investigate such figures.

Of course, this is only part of the picture. For every fatality, there will be numerous stories of men, women and children: crippled, dismembered, blinded - bearing physical and psychological scars that will last for the remainder of their lives. Unexploded cluster bomblets now litter most Iraqi cities and their immediate environs: a deadly temptation for curious children. Many critics - such as Robert Fisk - also insist a link between the US armed forces' use of depleted uranium-encased munitions and disturbing instances of cancer. Such critics thus believe the Iraqi people will continue to suffer the cost of this conflict for many years to come.

It is also notable that Iraqi infrastructure, including electricity and water supplies, was seriously damaged during the conflict. The International Committee of the Red Cross, who have been working to restore basic infrastructure in Baghdad and Basra, notes that, "while the situation in central Baghdad has improved, the surrounding poorer suburbs lag far behind, with pools of sewage and heaps of uncollected refuse polluting the streets." Cholera and Typhoid have also been reported throughout the country, raising the prospect of further casualties. Mercifully, for the citizens of Baghdad and Basra, the swift collapse of formal resistance has enabled quick access for the Red Cross and other relief agencies.

In the final analysis, however, the nightmare scenarios imagined by the Left failed to eventuate. This is not to dismiss the awful toll paid by Iraqi civilians and young conscripts. It is merely to concede that the Left was wrong in its estimates of the scale of the slaughter and human tragedy. Indeed - few foresaw the dramatic swiftness with which resistance in Baghdad collapsed. Entire divisions of Iraq's much vaunted Republican Guard seemingly melted away into nothingness. Reports of night-vision goggles and potent Russian-made anti-tank weapons finding their way into Iraqi hands, for instance, had this author projecting the possibility of a Chechnya-like scenario for Coalition forces entering Baghdad.

Originally, the official line from Washington suggested the Iraqi collapse was linked to the final destruction of the Republican Guard's command, control and communications capacity. It is now becoming apparent, however, that years of CIA and MI6 penetration of the Republican and Special Republican Guard finally paid off, with senior defections leading to a collapse in resistance. According to 'The Express' of London (4-18-3), and several other publications, senior Iraqi military figures were bribed with gold and cash. According to 'The Express', those who failed to co-operate were threatened with death.

Islamic state or secular US client regime?

At first it was possible to be skeptical of stage managed scenes of 'jubilation' at the downfall of Saddam Hussein: no more than two hundred Iraqis participating in the destruction of a statue of the dictator in the immediate aftermath of Baghdad's capitulation. Such scenes were necessary to provide legitimation for the occupying forces in the eyes of the world. They were needed - and so they were produced. This, however, is no longer the case. Tens of thousands of Iraqis: many of them from Iraq's Shi'ite majority - are on the move. Mass rallies and pilgrimages abound: at once rejoicing at the overthrow of Saddam's Sunni-dominated regime, and demanding the immediate withdrawal of US forces. Increasingly, inspired and led by a long subdued radical Shi'ite clergy, the call is for an Islamic state.

Surely neither Washington nor the Left can be pleased with this scenario - although for obviously different reasons. Washington points to the hidden hand of Iran behind the recent upsurge in Shi'ite militancy, and surely one would be naí¯ve to suppose the Iranians - like the Americans - are not rushing to take advantage of the vacuum left by the destruction of the B'aathist state apparatus. The rise to power of an Iranian-sponsored clergy was certainly not what Washington had in mind. Left to choose between a secular US client state, and a fundamentalist clerical state under the sway of Iran, progressives could also be forgiven for experiencing a pained sense of ambivalence.

It is too early, therefore, to suppose the Americans will continue to have it all their own way. US forces could yet experience a 'second Lebanon': remnants of Saddam's underground intelligence networks, or radicalized Shi'ite groups acting as the catalyst for a campaign to drive the occupiers from Iraq. Suicide bombings and assassinations could yet become a common occurrence in a new Iraq rent by ethnic divisions, intrigues, and the desire of the Americans to consolidate their grip for broader geo-political/strategic objectives. This scenario must surely be haunting the Americans. In this sense, the war for Iraq might only just be beginning. To quote Churchill: "This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."

US plans for regional and world dominance

The Americans, however, will not be leaving. Already, the talk is of US control of several bases in Iraq from which American power can be projected throughout the entire region. US ambitions had already been clearly stated in the White House's 'National Security Strategy' (NSS), released in September 2002. The NSS states quite bluntly,

"the United States will require bases and stations within and beyond Western Europe and Northeast Asia, as well as temporary access arrangements for the long-distance deployment of U.S. forces."

And further,

"The United States possesses unprecedented - and unequaled -strength and influence in the world."

Continuing in an idealistic tenor which belies the underlying realpolitik, the 'strategy' states:

"We will work to translate this moment of influence into decades of peace, prosperity, and liberty."

This is code for: "we will exploit this unique moment of historical advantage - of unchallenged economic, diplomatic and military superiority - to extend our hegemony throughout the world, and well into the 21st Century."

The centrality of Iraq to these plans will become increasingly clear in the coming years as the US administration uses its foothold to exert pressure upon Iran and Syria. Without Syrian support, for instance, the continued operation of Hezbollah in Syrian-occupied Lebanon would prove impossible. The removal of Saddam Hussein: who exploited the Palestinian question to boost his ambitions for Pan-Arab leadership, will also strengthen the immediate prospects of Bush's long-awaited 'Roadmap for Peace.' (In the longer-term, however, the 'roadmap' does not seem to promise a just compromise on the final status of East Jerusalem or refugees, or a real strategy for dealing with the 200,000 Jewish settlers already living in the Territories) Meanwhile, the new foothold in Iraq, including control of Iraq's substantial oil reserves, has enabled the US to shift its strategic centre of operations from Saudi Arabia, which was fast developing into a veritable pressure-cooker of international terror. The withdrawal from Saudi Arabia will thus ease the pressures which gave momentum to Al-Qaeda, and also allow the US more freedom in exerting diplomatic pressure upon the House of Saud. Finally - and perhaps most importantly - through Mid-East dominance the US will finally achieve the 'resource security' it so desperately craves, while at the same time denying this to potential rivals - in Europe, China and elsewhere.

Amidst all this, the justifiably cynical must be prone to point out that there has, as yet, been absolutely no sign of any 'Weapons of Mass Destruction'.

Conclusion

David McKnight, in the February-March edition of 'Arena magazine' - an Australian publication of the Left - was correct insofar as he insisted that 'the enemy of my enemy is NOT my friend.' A modern, secular Left can have no more sympathy for the former totalitarian state of Saddam Hussein than it can for the fanatical, terroristic fundamentalism of Al-Qaeda. McKnight, however, went further, questioning the entire theoretical framework of 'anti-imperialism', labeling it 'outdated'.

The recent war in Iraq was nothing if not imperialist. This was a war fought for geo-political strategic advantage and 'resource security'. It was a war fought for the preservation of US economic interests, and the extension of the American sphere of influence throughout the Middle East. It was a war sold on the basis of 'black propaganda': outright lies linking the regime of Saddam Hussein with September 11, and building a mythology of fear and hysteria around supposed 'weapons of mass destruction'. At times like these, such conceptual disarmament is nothing short of intellectual suicide for the Left. McKnight, however, does succeed in underlining the disturbing ambivalence suffered by a marginalized secular Left: unable to feel particular affinity for any of the major political players in the current world order.

The Left, we are told, is 'discredited': exposed for its 'blind anti-Americanism'. The fact remains, however, that perhaps 17,000 Iraqis have died horribly as a consequence of this war. The museum of Baghdad, what is more, has been ransacked, and some of the most precious antiquities from the very cradle of human civilization have been lost - perhaps forever. Amidst neoconservative cries of 'victory' and 'vindication', the failure to uncover any 'weapons of mass destruction' has dutifully been 'swept under the carpet'.

The Left has no cause for shame in its opposition to the recent war in Iraq. The Left was correct in its diagnosis of the conflict's causes: of the underlying motivations which spurred the Americans to action. The human toll, while not of the magnitude projected by much of the Left, was nevertheless nothing short of obscene.

At this time, then, the Left would be best advised to consolidate its gains, and advance the case for a truly democratic, secular Iraq. Although immediate withdrawal by the US could result in a vacuum, precipitating civil war, the Left needs to demand that any interim government limit itself purely to matters of administration. Privatisation of Iraq's oil industry during this period must be explicitly ruled out. What is more, the broad gamut of Iraqi civil society must be enabled to mobilise in preparation for national elections. There ought be no arbitrary proscriptions on political formations of the Left, or of Arab nationalism. Following a period of stabilization and normalization, the Left needs to demand a total US withdrawal.

While the Left was unable to stop the war, the anti-war movement has mobilized massive popular networks which may yet again need to be called upon as the US continues its quest for 'Pax Americanus'. Such networks need to be preserved and nurtured rather than being allowed to 'wither on the vine'.

Sadly, the recent war on Iraq will likely not be the last of its kind. Undeterred by baseless neo-conservative condemnations, the need now is to regroup, and prepare for the next inevitable battle.

May 09, 2003 By Tristan Ewins

A version of this article will appear in 'Arena magazine - a leading Australian publication of the Left.'

[http://www.arena.org.au/arenamag.htm]

Tristan Ewins is an established freelance writer - with published work in 'The Caneberra Times', 'Arena Magazine', 'Agora Magazine' , and many others. He lives in Melbourne Australia, and is also a qualified teacher.

I do not know is cheating, done! What Islam are they talking about? Part III of IV

All and every phenomenon (consciously or not) in the world that man is administered entirely by laws made by God, IE. they are obedient to God and submission to his laws, they are in the State of Islam. Man possesses the qualities of intelligence and the choice is therefore invited to submit to the good will of God and obey his law, i.e. to be a Muslim.

Submission to God's good will, together with obedience to his law beneficial, i.e. to become Muslim, is the best safeguard for peace and harmony throughout its existence of man.

What is still a subject to scrutiny in the Western world, based on the images of some distorted Islam would say is the concept of Jihad. Indeed the justification for Jihad is a complex and subtle issue. It is safe to assume that it is only until that carried out attacks (direct and indirect) delivered to the Muslim communities which, in somewhat disproportionate conditions, some counter-offensive occurred sporadically and somewhat strategically. The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the second largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations which has membership of 57 States had distributed on four continents, has closed the trend of the prevailing Islamophobia throughout the world on XI session of the Islamic Summit held in the Senegalese capital Dakar on 13-14 March 2008. The organization urged Europe and America to take stronger measures against 'Islamophobia' in a report had been prepared for a Summit of the 57 members in Dakar and warned that an increase "alarming" anti-Islamic insults and attacks in the West has become a threat to international security. This monitoring group hopes that Europe and North America to do more, through legislation and social action, to protect Muslims from threats and discrimination and prevent insults against Islam's religious symbols.

Misleading errors were made in our time and in the middle ages (of Islam) due to an inaccurate interpretation of the Jihad. As it must be understood that the word "Jihad" is derived from the Arabic root "Juhd", which means "strive" and therefore used figuratively to religious wars. It seems that the word "Yudh", which is commonly used by Hindus to mean war, is actually a corruption of the word jihad. Since Arabic is the mother of all languages, emerged from which all other languages, the word "Yudh", which is Sanskrit means war is really the same as "juhd" or "jihad". Over time the letter "jim" was replaced by the letter "and" and then another alteration, the word spoken with phonetic emphasis.

Patriarchs and religious scholars have always been jealous of prophets and messengers of God due to its previous losses to disciples and prestige. This provoked the hostility of the scholars Pagan, Jewish and Christian and prevented them from accepting the truth in the time of Muhammad (PBUH). Orphans and weak, defenceless women were massacred in the streets and alleys. Even so, God sent there not be any retaliation against evil. While the streets ran red with their blood, not make a sound. This attitude of humility and firmness caused the enemies of Islam to intensify its persecution, and keep preying on that Holy community to date.

As a result of the foregoing, here comes the commandment which in other words, came to be known as Jihad. The language par excellence, which still stands in the Qur'an as specific to those days when people come into the fold of Islam were being slaughtered like sheep and lambs, as follows: Allah has heard the cryof oppression who are killed and converted unfairly from their land and allowed to retaliate. Allah is omnipotent and capable of helping the oppressed. (Al - Juzw 17, Surah al - Hajj).

Demba Ndiaye

I do not know is cheating, done! What Islam are they talking about? Part IV of IV

Most publicized Islamic scholars today completely misinterpret Jihad and misrepresented to the public in general. These scholars, of a species, are in fact responsible for murders committed by people ignorant, selfish, who ignore why Islam was forced to fight battles in its history. The billions of believers, who are the backbone of Islam have no need of Fame, prestige of material prosperity while it is substantial to the good life. Those who coin the politics of Islam today had a commitment that is coming to an end in this 21st century. Is carried out more research about Islam; the more unknown territories appear in the light towards the unexpected path cohesion in an interdependent world regardless of our individual missions. At the end of the Bush era, Rumsfeld announced new methods of rupture of soil which favor studies of the Middle East within its Department of former Pentagon to face more unknowns in Islam. Findings in Islam still pointing out the facts that we are dealing here with conscious people made aware of decisions based on the strains of modern life. Here is the time to make crystal clear: it is in the interest of peculiar excursive (scholars and Western policy) and to keep feeding the idea that Islam is a threat. With that premise, all awhile logistics counteroffensive is designed to "fight" a potential threat.

An associated press news, National President Barack Obama Security Adviser provides a refutation swept Wednesday (May 27, 2009) in charge of former Vice-President Dick Cheney that United States is less safe under the new administration.

Pointing to increases in spending, trying to get out of Iraq and revitalise the strategy for Afghanistan and a broad campaign repair the U.S. reputation abroad, former general of Navy James Jones said that the nation is safer today which has been in defence.

Imagine a moment: how much a joke and savings would be if the Western world realized that the scam of the century long that Islam is a threat was allegedly by a group of scholars somewhere in Arabia who wanted to fight another group of brotherhood to be and remain the godparents of Islam when there is no need to Godfatherhood all in the business of this God? It will surely take time until the real Islam accused together and that damage assessment policy of the branch of Islam and participated in a project of effective restoration is worth: the constituent largest in Islam is Pacific and was prepared to live in a manner consistent and peaceful, worker. What is happening in some other can affect me negatively, helping people help themselves will help change me... that touch you always will be, sooner or later. You can not live forever and enjoy life forever, which means that we are here on a mission, timeline and fundamentals that remains to be grateful to those who before and after us in concrete forms...Manage externalities always has been a matter of survival in Islam; But what to expect when those disseminating news are interested in the facets more eccentric of the truth?

Demba Ndiaye

How About a Cultural Islamic Renaissance Which Includes Maximum Freedom for Women?

The other day, I was speaking with an acquaintance and they brought up a very good point, and that was; what if the Islamic World had a renaissance which exploded with culture, new freedoms, art, and the advances of science? Consider if you will that the Middle East has a net inflow of global monies for oil and resources. Consider that the Middle Decentralists make very good businessmen (and women), and more and more folks are becoming highly educated. My acquaintance asks if within the next 8-years if this is possible? Well, these are all great concepts and questions so let's talk, shall we?

In my view, I'd say it is totally achievable, especially in key areas, in fact, it's already starting. Consider the progress in Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, and Turkey. We could see the same in Lebanon, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Iran, Iraq, and even Yemen, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Sure, I can see it plain as day, it's doable, even on that accelerated time-table.

Let's face it the Middle East needs the United States for the inflow of money, and the US needs the oil, and therefore like it or not we are coupled, and those mutual needs will not be changing anytime soon. It's obviously best if everyone gets along, and at some point the cultural differences must be celebrated for what they are and the differences understood, not as to barrier to friendship, but as a glimpse as to how others live and the wonderful diversity amongst human populations.

My acquaintance remind me that the US would be better off to assist in any way that the Middle East would ask for our assistance to help with a renaissance within their culture, regionally, or throughout, as the "Middle East will remain vital to US National interests." Yes, I agree with my acquaintance and would add something to that statement, because I don't see it as only in the Middle East.

I'd like to say that; "Every Region of the World remains vital to the US, and every nation, region, and peoples of planet earth have human interests to all nations and peoples!" So, with that said; "Ye" and plus; "we will continue to need the resources, as that light-sweet crude is perfect for our fuel needs here at home, and abroad."

So, since they need our money for their economy, and we do need the oil, we ought to find a way to mend our differences and move forward with a peaceful and friendly future. Please consider all this.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of to Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.NET

The Five Pillars of Islam Which Every Muslim Should Obey in the Lifetime

Religions are made to make the people systematic and organized. There are millions of people in the world and everyone has got own entity and belief that makes then different and distinct from others. Therefore there are numerous religions existing in the world. The human being is normally free to accept the belief that suits the thoughts or that can guide the person to the spiritual and external growth as well. One of such most popular religion in the world is Islam.

The people who are following the Islam religion are called Muslims and they are having widest numbers of followers in the world. Right now, Islam is the second most followed religion of the world after Christian. The way every religion is having their own commandments and orders that construct the constitution of the religion, Muslims are also having the same. The way Christians are having the "Ten Commandments", the Hindus are having "Five Veds" and the Jains are having "Panch Mahaavrats", Islam is also having five basic rules that should be followed by the Muslim who is born in the family of Islam follower. Here the five Pillars explained.

* The Shahadah

Shahadah is the statement which states and spreads the philosophy of monotheism and is convincing every Muslims to believe that Muhammad is the real messenger of God and he is the only messenger in the world. This is the basic ground of belief for every Muslims and should be followed strictly by everyone.

* The Salah

Salah is the synonymous of the daily payer that is compulsory for every Muslims to perform. There are five prayers for the Islam believers, the Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha'a. These five names indicated the different time of prayer. The Fajr means the Dawn prayer, the Duhr is the noon prayer, the Asr is the afternoon prayer, the Maghrib is the sunset prayer and Isha is the late evening prayer. These prayers are having different meanings and beliefs and are quite important for the followers especially in the holy month of Ramadan. These prayers are done in the direction of Mecca. Imam Hussein Karbala is the holiest and pivotal pilgrimage center for the Muslims which is located near Mecca.

* The Zakat

This is one of the charities offering process for the Muslims who are capable of doing so. This rule is obligatory for everyone who are having the abilities to offer something to their brothers from the money they have accumulated for their lives. This is not the mandatory worship and is totally relied on the persona; approach as it is the personal responsibility to make the brother and sisters of same religion to get the most affiliated helps from others. There are four principles that are making this ritual better and smarter.

* The Sawm (Siyam)

Sawm is one of the holiest acts for the Muslims. Normally they keep fasts in the month if Ramadan and break their fasts ay Kuwait City which is the most respected place for all the Muslims of the world. The fasting is classified in three different types as the Ritual Fasting, compensating fasting for the repentance and ascetic fasting which makes them more pure fro the soul and lives.

* The Hajj

The dream of every Muslim is to have a visit to Kaaba which is located in Mecca. This pilgrimage is considered as the ultimate ritual of the follower. This pilgrimage can not be dome anytime as they are having the specific month and time in which the pilgrims make their spirit holy by praying and touching the Holy Mecca Spot. The dress code and many more conditions at this place reveals that the nonviolence principle of Islam. The basic of Islam is quite emphasizing the factor of Brotherhood and peace.

There are some of the most popular mosques and pilgrimage centers for Muslims among which the Al-Aqsa Mosque Jerusalem is the post visited.

These are the Five Pillars of Islam. Get better growth of humanity and make the world peaceful according to the orders of Holy angel of the world Muhammad.

Expeditionasia.net is the site where the religions and sight seeing are offered with exclusive coverage of explanation. This site is making the lives of the people more growing and holier. The religion of Islam and the principles of Five Pillars is also revealed quite magnificently in this site. This site is making visitors more knowledgeable and informative about different comcepts of the world. The existence of different religions and rituals are also cleared at the site with the descriptions of holy places of different religions. Have a visit and expedite the best places of Asia at Expeditionasia.net.

What You Don't Know is Fooling You, Indeed! Which Islam Are You Talking About? Part II of IV

At a recent forum I attended in Washington DC, organizers didn't go other ways in addressing that mistaken Islam in such limited terms, quote: "The Islamist movement seeks to impose tenets of Islam, and specifically Shari'a law, as a legal, political, religious, and judicial authority both in Muslim states and in the West. It is generally composed of two wings-that which operates violently, propagating suicide-homicide bombing and other terrorist activities; and that which operates lawfully, conducting a "soft jihad" within our media, government, and court systems; through Shari'a banking; and within our school systems." End quote.

As it appears from the above, unfairly to common sense, organizers pinpointed "two wings, that which operates violently, propagating suicide-homicide bombing and other terrorist activities; and that which operates lawfully, conducting a "soft jihad". What about the Islam on behalf of which we remain truly faithful and desire for others what we desire for ourselves? What about that Islam on behalf of which billions of Muslims every year engage in a journey made of sacrifices and self privation aimed at sharing the suffering, hunger and thirst along with performing good acts in order to remind ourselves of the very daily existence many others face regardless of creed, race, gender and religion somewhere out there? As recently admitted Washington post's Anthony Shaddid about Obama's tour in the Middle East this June 2009, "lies by a generation of authoritarian Arab leaders to their people have given many a healthy skepticism of any public statement, whatever the source".

The United States of America proudly vows such a cult to modernism, Americanism in the name of its great ideals: freedom, expansionism, and lately, thanks to ecological consciousness, sustainability. In other words because America has conquered so much with so big and for so long, it has acquired such a strong mindset known not to do well with the interference of the outside norms... The United Nations questioned legitimacy when it comes to setting the rules and resolutions nations have to go by being redundantly challenged by United States "exceptionism" is a flat evidence of it's propensity to antiquated imperialism. Now that cold war is less intense than what it was a couple of decades ago, ideology and the fight it takes to prevail on one another seems to be the battle ground that draws more rethorics than common sense.

"Man is the enemy of what he does not know." says the Greek as well as the Arabic proverb to assess the scope and impact of such a limited description, stemming from obviously limited understanding of Islam at large. Islam is derived from the Arabic root "Salema": peace, purity. Islam dates back to the age of Adam and its message has been chronologically conveyed to man by God's prophets and messengers, including Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Islam's message has been restored and enforced in the last stage of the religious evolution by God's last prophet and messenger, Muhammad (PBUH). Submission is the key, one way or another. Paradoxically the more we seem to rebel against that submission the more it is obvious that we demonstrate our dire need for some guidance of a spiritual order yet to be defined.

M. Demba Ndiaye
danethen@yahoo.com
Demba Ndiaye - An average native African Highly motivated in sustainable development, Environmental Management, Cultural Competency, Freelance IT Professional. Open to networking beyond frontiers provided that it serves the Human Cause. For together we can make that New World Order.