ABOUT THE STOP THE WAR COALITION

Background

The Stop the War Coalition was formed after a majority of delegates of the Walk Against War Coalition - which facilitated the large demonstrations against the US-led invasion of Iraq in February and March 2003 - decided to disband the organisation in August 2003.

A minority argued to keep the coalition going saying that as the Iraq war was continuing, so too should the campaign against it.

These groups and individuals - who went on to form the Stop the War Coalition - believed that the demand to end the US-led occupation and get the troops out had to become the main axis around which the campaign should continue.

Since that time, the Stop the War Coalition has continued to organise actions and forums aimed at helping build opposition to the continued occupation of Iraq and the "war on terror".

In October 2003, during George Bush's visit to Australia, the Stop the War Coalition organised a 5,000 strong rally in Sydney against the US government's drive to war and to global economic domination.

In February 2004, the anniversary of the previous year's huge global protests, Stop the War hosted a public meeting of 1000 people with John Pilger and Andrew Wilke addressing the topic: Breaking the Silence:Truth and Lies in the War on Terror.

Stop the War Coalition also initated the 5000-strong anniverary protest against the war held on March 20 at which John Pilger, Andrew Wilke, Greens Senator Kerry Nettle, visiting Palestinian activist Saif Abu Keshek and actor Judy Davis spoke.

The coalition of the killing - Bush, Blair and Howard - waged their war on Iraq despite unprecedented global opposition and protests. The "liberation" of Iraq has become a war of occupation, with US forces bogged down in ongoing battles with the Iraqi resistance. US corporations have re-entered Iraq to carve up the spoils of war.

This is part of a ongoing process of imperialism and Western aggression in the Middle East, which has also resulted in the continued brutal occupation of Palestine.

The Stop the War Coalition is committed to ongoing action in opposition to this agenda and the support given by Howard and the Liberal government.

We call for:

• Iraq for Iraqis
• Troops out NOW
• End the Occupation
• Justice for Palestine

Aims and Objectives of the Coalition

1. The aim of the Stop the War Coalition is very simple: to stop the so-called "War on Terrorism" currently declared by the United States and its allies. The US-led wars on Afghanistan and Iraq have added to the numbers of innocent people killed wantonly, caused immeasurable suffering, generated political and economic instability on a global scale, and led to increased racism and attacks on civil liberties.

2. In support of the wishes of millions of Iraqi people, and increasingly many US military families, the Coalition calls for an end to the occupation of Iraq. The Coalition supports the right to self-determination of all peoples. We demand an end to Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine and justice for all Palestinians in the Palestinian territories and Diaspora. We also support the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homeland.

3. The Coalition is committed to opposing any racist backlash generated by the War on Terrorism. The Coalition will fight to stop the erosion of civil rights.

4. Affiliates of the Coalition, whether organisations or individuals, are of course free to develop their own analyses and organise their own actions. The Coalition provides a forum for united initiatives to be organised around broad opposition to the war aimed at mobilising the greatest numbers of people. The Coalition also encourages the formation of local community peace groups.

5. The Coalition is open to all who support its aims and objectives. It elects a steering committee that reflects the breadth of those involved in the Coalition and is answerable to its general meetings, the main decision-making body.

6. The Coalition calls on all peace activists and organisations, trade unionists, labour movement organisations and social justice campaigners to join with us in building a mass movement to stop further military adventures and resist the occupation of Iraq.

If you'd like to assist with Stop the War Coalition activities, come along to one of the regular organising meetings, or get in touch to find out what activities are planned and how you can get involved.