There is growing concern in Scotland about a decision to award the multi-million pound 2011 Census contract to a marketing and information company called CACI Ltd.CACI Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CACI International Incorporated, an American company which is doing rather well in these troubled times.It is a publicly-listed company on the New York Stock Exchange with an annual revenue in excess of US $2bn.But it is how it makes its money that concerns campaigners: it is a key partner in George Bush’s homeland security and “war on terror” - and its staff worked with the US Army in the prison and interrogation blocks of Abu Ghraib in Iraq.The US Army was forced to close Abu Ghraib after news reports of the torture and humiliation of prisoners. Eleven US soldiers were convicted...
Ann Clwyd - Aberdare’s MP - contributes towards the Iraq Inquiry debate in Parliament yesterday. She talks about her work with the Indict campaign and her contribution towards “the removal of the regime”.
I think that I have been quite consistent during the time that I have spoken about Iraq in this Chamber. I argued for one thing—for the removal of a regime that persecuted its own people and was responsible for 5,000 deaths in Halabja, for the deaths of tens of thousands of Kurds throughout Kurdistan, and for the deaths of tens of thousands of Shi’a in the south. It was for humanitarian reasons that I always argued for the removal of the regime, and I did so in 2003 when I spoke in favour of the war. I did that because I had failed—and I would suggest that...
This week George Bush and other Western war-mongers celebrate the fifth anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq.
War is good news for the corporations which the war-mongers represent.
War is profitable and militarism plays a key role in the capitalist system.
Wars are fought for class interests. The Iraq was is no exception.
Writing fifty-two years ago in their book Monopoly Capital, American economists Paul Baran and Paul Sweezy characterize the impact militarism has on society and the function of militarism in capitalist society :......
In
War,
capitalism,
Corporations,
George Bush,
democracy,
class interests,
Marxism,
paul baran,
paul sweezy,
thorstein veblen,
Politics,
Iraq
Aberdare Blog started as an experiment in communicating views of Aberdare and views from Aberdare. It remains an experiment in communication open to participation. Jane from Mountain Ash blogged the lead story on the Mountain Ash Opencast plans this week. Why not blog your own story from Aberdare today ?
Here is a list of the Top 100 tags used to describe posts on Aberdare Blog… if we haven’t blogged on a subject close to your heart, you can fix that yourself. If you prefer to blog a story with photos or video, that’ll do nicely thank you, send them today.
abercynon aberdare Aberdare Town aberdare_park Ann Clwyd Baptists bbc bbc_wales Books Caerphilly capitalism cardiff Ceredigion Chapels charity christine_chapman christmas christmas_2005 Church coal comedy...
In
Books,
Cymraeg,
People,
History,
Environment,
Humour,
Entertainment,
fun,
BBC,
Blogging,
Labour,
Media,
cardiff,
Events,
Christmas,
comedy,
caerphilly,
ceredigion,
leisure,
Leighton Andrews,
Journalism,
Aberdare Town,
energy,
aberdare,
economics,
hirwaun,
charity,
llwydcoed,
abercynon,
freecycling,
freecycle,
consumerism,
Church,
cwmbach,
chapels,
Baptists,
aberdare_park,
Fishguard,
cynon_valley_leader,
elvis_preseli,
geraint_benney,
coal,
Leanne_Wood,
labour_party,
bbc_wales,
Cynon-Valley,
aberdare blog,
christine_chapman,
christmas_2005,
groups,
capitalism,
Corporations,
democracy,
Ann Clwyd,
Iraq
WORLD AGAINST WAR
Cardiff Peace Conference
Monday 3 March at 7.30 pm
Law Building
Cardiff University
Park Place
Hosted by CARDIFF STOP THE WAR COALITION
WITH SPEAKERS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE INCLUDING:
HASSAN JUMAA, Leader of the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions (Iraq)
ROSE GENTLE, Military Families against the War (Scotland)
IBRAHIM MOUSAWI, Editor of Al-Intiqad, Hezbollah Newspaper (Lebanon)
ANNE GREAGSBY, Co-ordinator, No2MilitaryAcademy Campaign (Wales)
PROFESSOR JUSTIN LEWIS, Head of Cardiff School of Journalism (Wales)
Chaired by LEANNE WOOD AM
FREE ENTRY! ALL WELCOME!
Artwork by Carlos Latuff...
In
Wales,
Unions,
Leanne Wood,
cardiff school of journalism,
carlos latuff,
military families against the war,
military spending,
pacificism,
peace conference,
stop the war,
Media,
cardiff,
Journalism,
Corporations,
Politics,
Iraq
"I was a high-class muscleman for big business, for Wall Street and for the bankers. I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism"
That's how decorated US Marine Corps General Smedley Butler once defined his military role in his 1935 book War Is A Racket.
State armies have been used to further multinationals' goals in the past - whether the United Fruit Company-sponsored coup in Guatemala in 1954 or the various oil companies reaping the rewards of US invasion in Iraq today.
But now even this role is being privatised with PMCs (Private Military Companies) carrying out a dubious legal role in Iraq.
Last month's shootings of 11 Iraqi civilians by employees of Blackwater USA has cast a rare official spotlight on the activities of PMCs in Iraq.
The proliferation of PMCs since the Cold...
Come and hear the powerful stories of the Iraqi oil workers and trade unions resisting the military and economic occupation of their homeland . . .
Tuesday 2 October at 7 pm
WALLACE LECTURE THEATRE
Main Building
Cardiff University
Park Place (opp. Student Union Building)
Speakers-
EWA JASIEWICZ
UK rep for the Basra Oil Workers Union & founder member of NAFTANA, an organisation that builds solidarity with Iraqi workers.
+ Speaker from the Stop the War Coalition
About the Ewa Jasiewicz:
In 2004, Ewa Jasiewicz visited Iraq to build links between the anti-war movement and Iraqi trade unions resisting both occupation and the corporate take-over of their counrty. She became the UK rep for the Basra Oil Workers Union, a militant...
Downing Street’s failure to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon last summer has been criticised by the foreign affairs select committee.MPs say a better response in July 2006 could have reduced casualties during the 34 days of slaughter.One politician who did speak out was Pontypridd MP Kim Howells.Howells, who is not always appreciated at What Is Wales?, did at least react when confronted with the evidence of Israeli attacks.“The destruction of the infrastructure, the death of so many children and so many people. These have not been surgical strikes,’ said the Foreign Office Minister on a visit to Beirut.His words fell on deaf ears in London.Tony Blair is now a peace envoy to the region.Still hard to believe that’s not a joke.Enough to make someone, somewhere die...
Continuing this theme about the strange words used by the arms trade, it is interesting to note that BAE Systems has just announced a first-half profit rise of 27 percent.Thanks to its upgrades of Bradley fighting vehicles for the US army in Iraq and production of fighter jet parts, its net income rose to £515m.According to a company statement: "The high tempo of military operations continues to generate growth in requirements for land systems in support of US and UK armed forces deployed on overseas operations."On the campaign concerned with the military training academy at St Athan there is more in the current issue of Big Issue Cymru. And for a lot more information on the campaign try...
Peace activist Dr Margaret Jones made some headlines last week when she was sentenced for breaking into a US airbase prior to the bombing of Iraq.Dr Jones was given a six-month curfew order and ordered to wear an electronic tag after her trial at Bristol Crown Court.The 58-year-old university lecturer used hammers and bolt cutters to disable fuel tankers and trailers used for carrying bombs at RAF Fairford.She did it to prevent the "murder of innocent civilians".The Daily Telegraph, one of the newspapers to report her trial, gave the story 143 words.In the same week some of the devastation which Dr Jones had been trying to stop came to light in an Oxfam report which described how eight million Iraqis - almost a third of the population - were in need of emergency aid.It said that 43 per...
Firstly, no it wasn’t the picture that first drew me to this post on Guerrilla Welsh-Fare.It’s just that it is always so lovely to read about Chris Bryant, as it gives me a chance to relate my favourite stories.Now, seeing as he is tamping at the priority given to Welsh words over English ones at railways stations in Wales, let’s look back at what last rattled his cage.Back in January he was miffed at Jill Evans and Leanne Wood’s anti-Trident protests.“I think trying to get yourself arrested is childish politics,” he said. “They should be representing their constituents. I think it's a shame they have got their priorities all wrong.”As I said at the time it is interesting to note what the former churchman sees as ‘childish politics’.Four years ago exactly I had been...
And I quote "Fuck you motherfucker, fucking die." - Well said that man.This is what happens when you’re stupid enough to try to plant an IED in front of a gun crew. (Bradley? Stryker?) while laboring under the delusion that they won’t see you with their “magical, satanic” night vision devices because you prayed to Allah for invisibility. Well, you can take that up with Allah because you’ll be meeting him in about 20 seconds.Hat Tip: 3-116thsniperCrusaders of the Great Satan 1 - Jihadiscum...
One has to wonder if by any remote chance this may have something to do with moslems, you know that religion of peace that The Guardian/BBC keep telling us about.Some bits on the jihadists who have added to the cultural death that is "Cool Britania".A bit more on the asshat in the video: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anjem_ChoudaryJIHAD IS A CENTRAL DUTY of every Muslim. Modern Muslim theologians have spoken of many things as jihads: defending the faith from critics, supporting its growth and defense financially, even migrating to non-Muslim lands for the purpose of spreading Islam. But in Islamic history and doctrine violent jihad is founded on numerous verses of the Qur'an — most notably, one known in Islamic theology as the "Verse of the Sword": "Then, when the sacred months have...
Iraqi Special Operation Forces detain two suspected insurgents during morning raid Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAOBAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces apprehended a cell leader for a militant terrorist group during an early morning raid south of Baghdad June 2. With Coalition Forces present as advisors, ISOF detained their primary suspect and a second individual who was present during the operation without incident. Acting on previous intelligence, Iraqi Forces detained the individuals for allegedly being responsible for numerous rocket attacks against Coalition Forces and constructing and placing improvised explosive devices and mines. During the raid, ISOF confiscated an insurgent identification card, propaganda and weapons. The weapons were an AK-47 rifle with a 100 round drum...
Did you know that 47 countries have reestablished their embassies in Iraq?Did you know that the Iraqi government currently employs 1.2 millionIraqi people?Did you know that 3,100 schools have been renovated, 364 schools are under rehabilitation, 263 new schools are now under construction and 38 new schools have been completed in Iraq?Did you know that Iraq 's higher educational structure consists of 20 universities, 46 institutes or colleges and 4 research centers, all currently operating?Did you know that 25 Iraq students departed for the United States in January 2005 for the re-established Fulbright program?Did you know that the Iraqi navy is operational? They have five 100-foot patrol craft, 34 smaller vessels and a naval infantry regiment.Did you know that Iraq 's Air Force consists...
Specialist Ahmed Qusai al-Taayie is a Iraqi American U.S. Army linguist soldier, from Ann-Arbor, Michigan who was kidnapped on October 23, 2006 in Baghdad and has not been seen since.al-Taayie joined the Army in 2004 to help not only his country, the United States, but also his birthplace of Iraq and was deployed in 2005. On October 23, 2006 he was visiting his wife in the Karrada Shiite neighborhood in central Baghdad when he and his cousin were kidnapped by a group calling themselves Ahel al-Beit Brigades. His cousin was released shortly after. On November 2, 2006 al-Taayie's uncle received a ransom demand of $250,000 for his return. Along with the ransom came a grainy video that showed a man beaten up who was identified as al-Taayie. No more has been heard from al-Taayie or his...
Whatever we think of Tony Blair, at least we now know, because he has made a point of telling us so in no uncertain terms, that he did what he did with conviction.David Keough, a civil servant, and Leo O’Conner, a parliamentary researcher, the two men who tried unsuccessfully to leak minutes of a meeting on Iraq between Blair and George Bush on the grounds that the contents were “abhorrent” and “illegal”, did what they did with conviction too.Keough and O’Conner today begin prison sentences for breaching the Official Secrets Act, while Tony Blair walks away scot-free having covered his tracks; the lesson being that ‘conviction’ and ‘honesty’ should never be confused.Passing sentence, the judge told Keough, “Without consulting anyone, you decided on your own [what]...
The al-Qaeda playbook encourages imprisoned jihadists to accuse their captors of torture, but this is probably not what they had in mind. "Terror Suspect Claims Torture by Americans, Not Enough Entertainment at Guantanamo Bay," from Fox News:WASHINGTON — An accused enemy combatant held at Guantanamo Bay told a military hearing he was physically as well as mentally tortured there by having to read a newsletter full of 'crap,' being forced to use unscented deodorant and shampoo and having to play sports with a ball that would not bounce.Majid Khan of Pakistan denied any connection to Al Qaeda and said he was tortured and his family hounded by U.S. authorities, according to a redacted transcript released Tuesday by the Pentagon.Khan told an April 15 hearing called to determine whether he...
Below is all the information that could be found on Pfc. Joseph Jeffries.Pfc. Jeffries was killed with two fellow soldiers, Capt. Daniel W. Eggers and Sgt. 1st Class Robert J. Mogensen, and an unnamed sailor, when their vehicle drove over an IED in Kandahar, Afghanistan. All four service members were attached to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. He is survived by his wife, Betsy, and his parents Mark and Linda Jeffries.These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People LivedThis post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. To find out more about...
The film 'Iraq for Sale' is on at Chapter Arts Centre tonight (15.2.07) at 8:30pm. Evening organised by Oyster Clothing.iraq, irac, iraq for sale, ffilm, film, caerydd, cardiff, oyster clothing, chapterGenerated By Technorati Tag Generator...
Mae'r ffilm 'Iraq for Sale' ymlaen yng Nghanolfan Chapter heno (15.2.07) am 8:30pm. Noson wedi ei drefnu gan Oyster Clothing.iraq, irac, iraq for sale, ffilm, film, caerydd, cardiff, oyster clothing, chapterGenerated By Technorati Tag...
Iraq For Sale Film
Thursday 15 February at 8 pm.
Chapter Arts Centre, Market Rd., Canton
Tickets available from Chapter box office.
Organised in association with Oyster Clothing.
The film will be introduced by poet, Robert Minhinnick, who will also show a short film about his recent visit to Iraq.
*
Corporate Watch UK research and report on the corporate carve-up of Iraq.
Ann Clwyd, cardiff city hall, Chapter Arts Centre, corporations, iraq,...
I think we should take Iraq and Iran and combine them into one country and call it Irate. All the pissed off people live in one place and get it over with.
Denis Leary via Samizdata via Stephen Pollard
Iran...
Iraq police and CF find cache, more than 200 artillery roundsMulti-National Division – North PAOSAMARRA, Iraq – Iraqi policemen from Samarra working with Paratroopers of 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, discovered a cache during a patrol east of Samarra.The patrol was initiated after the Paratroopers received a tip from a local Iraqi about foul play in the area where the cache was found.More than 200 rockets, mortars and other various artillery rounds were found inside the cache in addition to six grenade launchers, 25 pounds of rocket propellant and several large-caliber machineguns and other small arms.Transition of Authority ceremony marks progress of Iraqi battalionMulti-National Force – West PAOAR RAMADI, Iraq – The 2nd Battalion, 1st...
First off before the good news Antwerp has banned muslim headscarves, good for them. Nice to see someone in Europe rolling back the dhimmi state that the barbarians and their puppets on the left wish to impose on us all. http://www.breakingnews.ie/2007/01/16/story293693.htmlNow the good news from Iraq, as not reported by the BBC.IA, CF shut down terrorist group ‘The Council’Multi-National Division – North PAOBALAD RUZ, Iraq – After a nine-day operation in the Turki Village area, soldiers from 1st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army, together with 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, defeated “The Council,” a known terrorist group which has historically targeted families and tribes with violence throughout the region. Coalition Forces continue to maintain a presence to further...
Bit late in doing a post on this, as my pc was as dead as Saddam at the time the Butcher of Baghdad shuffled off this mortal coil.No doubt a certain Mr Galloway MP will be wearing a black armband for some time to come.As this pic shows you can butcher thousands of people, wage war on your neighbours but still your cat is begging for some food - just go's to show that even dictators are loved and not just by George Galloway.Anyway now that the murdering lunatic is dead its time for the inevitable crap jokes: For Sale: Saddam memorial shirts.... a bit tight around the neck, but they hang well! Saddam here Happy New Year sorry I could'nt make it. Hung over from yesterday.and of course: I went out on the piss with Saddam Hussein last night...You should have seen the state...
The other night, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a friend’s apartment to watch a couple of movies with a few friends. What was most eventful about this evening however, was that one of the people who resided at this apartment was a native of Palestine, and had witnessed many incidents throughout the conflict between Israel and his country. Of course, the night was good fun, but I couldn't help myself asking the Palestinian about his experiences in Israel. So naturally, be began talking about the situation (discussing America's involvement also), and by the time I thought we had talked about every detail possible, he showed me what appeared to be a 74 page document. Little did I know that this document was not supposed to be read by the public, as it was for political use...
Shame. What on earth have we created over there?I listened to Richard Bacon on Radio 5 live this morning. The man is a wittering idiot. He kept asking for 'normal people' to call in to his debate on what it means to be a member of a political party. Everyone he interviewed was 20 times more eloquent than him. One man from Scotland said that he and his family had been Labour supporters all their lives. After the Iraq war he protested and was ignored, so he and the people of his town voted out their Labour MP in 2005.I haven't heard a man with such principle on the radio in years. Voters won't forget Iraq in a hurry. People aren't as fickle as Labour's high-command would like to...
Four AIF killed outside of Dujayl - Multi-National Division – North PAOTIKRIT, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed four anti-Iraqi Forces and detained two others several miles south of Dujayl, about 80 miles north of Baghdad, Dec. 15 after AIF attempted to engage a Coalition convoy during curfew hours.An air weapons team, under the direction of the 3rd Combined Arms Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, engaged the AIF after they observed them setting up ambush positions along Highway 1, the main highway between Baghdad and Mosul. Upon further investigation, Coalition Forces discovered various semi-automatic machine guns – including three AK-47s, three rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and one RPK fully-automatic machinegun.Cavalry, National Police team up for Successful Joint...
Iraqi National Police and Coalition Forces conduct joint operations, seize weapons in al Doura 2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. PAO
BAGHDAD – 1st Battalion 6th Brigade Iraqi National Police and coalition forces seized several weapons caches during an early-morning operation in the al Doura neighborhood of the Iraqi capital Dec. 8.
The joint operation was conducted based on tips from residents of the neighborhood, leading the police and troops to weapons caches in homes and the al Hassanae’en Mosque.
The police entered the mosque and several homes, seizing a total of four assault rifles, one machine gun, 42 mortar rounds, plastic explosives and assorted bomb-making materials.
Iraqi Forces team up with US forces to reduce violence in Adhamiyah2nd BCT, 2nd Inf. Div. PAO...
