March 2002
The Iraqi regime is one of the world's most brutal. It has launched wars and committed genocidal crimes. Bush with a vast increase in military spending is moving towards an attack on Iraq. Blair’s support seems assured.

The international community certainly has a right and duty to act, but this is not the same as a right to launch war against the Iraqi regime. Even the CIA has said there was no evidence that Iraq has been engaged in direct terrorist attacks against the US.

Iraq still has effective military forces. Eleven years of sanctions have savaged the ordinary people of Iraq but Saddam has increased his grip on power. A war in Iraq would be fraught with danger. Extensive bombing may break the regime. But at what price?

Many Iraqis would be killed and any attempt to destroy the regime must be expected to result in the use of biological and chemical weapons. If they were effective, either against US troops or targets in Saudi Arabia or Israel, then a nuclear response would be likely. Furthermore the regional consequences of an attack could be immense and provide a powerful motivation for the further development of paramilitary groups intent on taking action against Britain and the US.

This is a terrible mess. By any standards, an attack on Iraq will be a bombing campaign too far. The Stroud and Gloucestershire Green Party condemn any such action. Pressure must be brought to bear in Washington and London that will halt this war. Dropping bombs from 30,000ft on Iraq will not prevent terrorism.

Yours faithfully,
Philip Booth, Stroud and Gloucestershire Green Party.