Political hijack
The anti-war movement – a spontaneous and widespread reaction of the people – has focused on the US and British-led assault on Iraq, and on the savagery that this war entails: the slaughter of innocent civilians (especially children) and the brutal treatment of prisoners of war. This the movement’s common denominator, and because it is humanitarian in nature, it is also universal. This does not mean, however, that it carries no political weight – indeed, it is as politically significant as it is humane. This is why the movement has rallied such widespread support in Greece and across the world. Insinuating any other aim or expediency into such an anti-war movement, or its exploitation by political parties, obviously threatens its solid and unified foundation, weakens and eventually destroys it. This movement does not oppose the American people, nor the American political system; rather it opposes a specific policy and a specific administration which has turned against it many governments, large numbers of people across the world, and a significant proportion of its own public. It goes without saying that hysterical anti-Americanism and anti-capitalist slogans disrupt the unity of the anti-war movement; they threaten its very foundation, and ultimately act to rally popular and governmental support for Bush’s policies! Indeed, some parties regard such popular movements as the ideal opportunity to recruit new supporters…
