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Memo to 'the Left': stop fighting the last war.

What he said about Libya could be applied to Syria too: http://www.carneross.com/blog/2011/03/04/libya-ten-non-violent-options  I didn't fully agree with him on Libya, because there wasn't enough time for the measures he was proposing to work before Gaddafi would take Benghazi; but I think he is right on Syria, where there is in any case no short- or medium-term prospect for miltary intervention and (strange though it sounds to say it) less extreme urgency (the situation is more 'ongoing'; there isn't a full-blown 'civil war' yet as there already was in the case of the Libyan revolution). We should try all we can through diplomatic, economic etc. channels to give solidarity to the Syrian people who have risen up with unbelievable bravery against their oppressive 'leaders'.
As for the 'Stop the War' coalition: They are showing their true colours, as basically Trots, little more than an SWP-front. Knee-jerk opponents of whatever the US and UK government want. Shame on them. Shame on them for in practice opposing the Libyan and Syrian revolutions, and offering succour to dictators. They are busy fighting the last war, as Freedland says. But (Libya was not and) Syria is not Iraq. That was pure aggression and neo-colonialism. Whereas Syria is an authentic revolution being snuffed by active evil from the 'government' there. All human people will feel and attempt to practice solidarity with the Syrian Opposition.
'Stop the War' were a wonderful force for good in 2003. They are now busily marching into the dustbin of history...

Comments

Mr John D Clare said…
With respect, I don't agree: http://j-cduncan.blogspot.com/2012/02/lets-have-pragmatic-foreign-policy.html
11 February 2012 at 16:02
weggis said…
With respect, I do!
(In a cockney accent.)
13 February 2012 at 21:24
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