Let's try and stop yet another war!

I will be demonstrating on Saturday at this important protest which is crucial with another war involving this country rapidly approaching.

STOP THE WAR COALITION

Newsletter No.1231

21 January 2012

1) PROTEST NEXT SATURDAY 28 JAN, 2PM - HANDS OFF IRAN & SYRIA

2) FRANCE SUSPENDS OPERATIONS IN AFGHANISTAN

3) STOP THE WAR NATIONAL CONFERENCE

4) GREAT START TO 2012 NO MORE WAR APPEAL

**************

1) PROTEST NEXT SATURDAY 28 JAN, 2PM - HANDS OFF IRAN & SYRIA

The first major protest against an attack on Iran and Syria is scheduled for next Saturday, January 28, outside the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square, London.

The prospect of a new war in the Middle East is growing. As well as tightening sanctions, covert operations, assassinations and cyber attacks on Iran there is clear evidence of hostile US troop movements in to the region. The right in the US is pushing hard for intervention and these kind of provocations could spark war at any time. Meanwhile calls for intervention in Syria are getting louder and, as Jonathan Steele reported in the Guardian this week, there is a NATO backed military build up on Syria's borders too.

We need to start mobilising the anti-war majority now to swing the argument away from war. We are asking our supporters to do everything possible to publicise this protest and organise other protests and meetings locally.

Invite friends on Facebook - http://on.fb.me/yR9Q3i Tweet to spread the word - http://twitter.com/#!/STWuk

For more information or to help organise in youyr area please phone the office on 0207 801 2768.

**************

2) FRANCE SUSPENDS OPERATIONS IN AFGHANISTAN

On Friday four French soldiers were shot dead by a member of the Afghan army.
Contrary to claims that the situation in Afghanistan is stabilising, the incident  highlights the growing violence in the country.

Like similar incidents where Afghan soldiers have turned ther guns on their trainers, this one also highlights the deep flaws in the US-NATO strategy of training up the Afghan army in the hope of leaving behind a pliant and effective client regime. 

France has effectively suspended operations in Afghanistan in response, and sent a probe to consider whether accelerating withdrawal of troops. This is good news amid a grim situation. Cessation of military operations and withdrawal of foreign troops is the only way to stem the bloodshed. We have to continue building pressure for withdrawal and hope the French actions will send a message to the US and UK governments.

See http://stopwar.org.uk/ for articles on the development.

Stop the War is encouraging activists and groups to get on the streets with petitions, vigils etc to mark the death of the 400th British soldier in Afghanistan, if and when that tragic figure is reached. The current total is 395.  

**************

3) STOP THE WAR NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Saturday March 3rd, 10am - 5pm

University of London Union

Malet Street, London WC1

The conference will be a chance to discuss recent developments in the War on Terror and plan the movement's response. Speakers introducing the discussion include Tony Benn, Abbas Edalat, Lindsey German, George Galloway, Mitra Qayoom, Joe Glenton and Jeremy Corbyn MP. All Stop the War members can attend.

Those who joined before January 1st this year have voting rights. Stop the War groups and affiliates are entitled to delegates. You can join Stop the War on the door. Please contact us to book your place. Entry is £5/ £4 concessions.

**************

4) GREAT START TO 2012 NO MORE WAR APPEAL

In the first week we have raised an impressive £3,500 for our new year's appeal to fund the campaign against the threat of a new war in the middle east.

We need £10,000 urgently to respond to the danger of new interventions against Iran and Syria.  If you haven't given already please donate by going to http://bit.ly/x9RBne . Or call 0207 801 2768. Or send a cheque payable to ;; 'Stop the War Coalition' to: Stop the War, 231, Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 1EH.