13/07/2009

British IUPFP successfully holds second activity this year

The title of the meeting last week was ‘Palestine & US Hegemony’ and was intended to contribute to the discussion as to what shifts are occurring in US power across the world, and what this means for the peoples of the South but the Palestinians in particular, being as they are and have been for many decades in the vanguard of the world struggle against the US Hegemony.

Those invited to speak reflected different struggles and perceptions on this issue. Sukant Chandan, chair of the meeting and also chair of the British branch of the IUPFP explained that although the focus of the meeting is US Hegemony, we must always keep in mind that it is largely Britain which is responsible for the historical roots of the problems that continue to beset the peoples of the Middle East; this includes amongst many other infamies the promise to Zionism of a homeland in Palestine and the division of the region through the Sykes-Picot deal in 1916 between the French and the British.

John Rees from the Stop the War Coalition talked of the role of the anti-war movement, its achievements and what effect the movement has had on the movement to oppose Islamophobia. Mr Rees also explained the anti-war movement’s open-minded attitude in recognising and engaging with the resistance movements in Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Haifa Zangana explained the situation with the occupation in Iraq, and drew parallels with the Palestinian struggle against occupation, and also the conditions of Palestinians in Iraq whose lives has taken a sharp and disturbing turn for the worse ever since the invasion and occupation.

Nadine Rosa-Rosso gave her perspective from mainland Europe, especially of Belgium and France of the challenges that still remain there amongst the Left in its shortcomings when it comes to the struggles of Arab and Islamic movements against oppression and occupation.

Dr Azzam Tamimi explained that the struggle of the Palestinian movement with Hamas in its leadership has yet to see any real movement forward despite some minor signs from the US administration that it may want to develop the line of communication with Hamas. Dr Tamimi reminded the audience that one should not get too excited about these developments and keep the eye on the prize; the end to the occupation, and the return of the refugees.

Ibrahim Mousawi, the newly appointed Hizbullah spokesperson and IUPFP International Director Dyab Abou Jahjah both addressed the meeting through a video message. Mr Mousawi outlined that the struggle to end Zionism and occupation was not a religious struggle per se, but primarily a humanitarian one and that people must step up pressure to ensure that the Zionist state is brought to international justice.

Mr Abou Jahjah explained the peoples of the Middle East must avoid all plots to divide them and ensure unity of struggle. Both these gentlemen have been refused entry into Britain, whereas arguably they should be here to develop the understanding between peoples that is a necessary precondition to finding a just and lasting settlement based on justice. Currently Mr Abou Jahjah is putting together a legal case against his refusal to enter Britain, and the IUPFP in Britain will support him in this endeavour.

The meeting also saw the publication of the British IUPFP magazine ‘Palestine and US Hegemony’ which received many favourable comments from people as to the design and content, and is available if people so wish to purchase a copy (please email).

The British IUPFP will hold another activity very soon and improve on our work thus far. We will also develop our collaboration with other progressive and anti-imperialist organisations that are concerned with lending support to the Palestinian struggle for self-determination, a struggle which defines relations between the West and the Third World, between justice and oppression, and a struggle whose victory will herald, like the victories of the Vietnamese and South African masses before them, a new chapter of freedom and joy for the world.

Sukant Chandan (Chair, British IUPFP)
Dan Glazebrook (Secretary, British IUPFP)