The Beginning of the End of America's Dream of a Unipolar World

As the US-led war on Iraq entered its second week, the tables have slowly started turning on the Bush brigade. If things were to proceed on the lines visualised by Bush and Blair, the war should not have stretched into the second week at all. But real life has punctured the pipe dreams of a smooth and swift war and in the beginning of the second week we now have the coalition forces asking for additional deployments to the tune of another 120,000 troops. The march to Baghdad has reportedly been 'paused' for a few days. Bush now says, "the war will last as long as it takes to win it," while Blair has confessed that getting rid of Saddam Hussein is indeed quite tough.

The losses suffered by the Anglo-American coalition forces have been much more than expected. The military strategists at Pentagon now say there has been a 'misunderestimation' regarding the possible difficulties and resistance that the coalition forces are having to face. A major embarrassment for the coalition is the exacting cost of what is being described as 'friendly fire'. There was even this case of a British fighter jet being shot down by an American patriot missile. So much for the tall claims of precision-guided warfare. Indeed, American missiles continue to land outside Iraqi borders in Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

With every passing day the Anglo-American ground troops are getting a bitter taste of the tough Iraqi terrain. If the US had thought that the experience of Gulf War I had really made it a master of 'Operation Desert Storm', Gulf War II has already exposed that great American folly. The whole world saw how the American advance towards Baghdad was pushed back by a fierce sandstorm. After Vietnam, American troops are once again learning the bitter lessons of a ground war on a foreign land. On the first three days of the war Iraq allowed the US troops to advance with deceptive ease and the Western media started beaming images of mass Iraqi surrender. But then Iraq started hitting back and after more than ten days the Anglo-American invaders do not yet enjoy control over any city or port in any part of Iraq. Just a few televised interviews of captured American soldiers were sufficient to remind Bush and Rumsfeld of the Geneva Convention regarding prisoners of war, the same convention that the US has continued to violate with impunity.

The biggest American miscalculation, however, has been not just military but political. Washington had expected to utilise every real and imagined contradiction and division within the Iraqi society. In fact, Anglo-American soldiers were made to believe that they would be welcomed by a battle-fatigued and emaciated Iraqi people as their much-awaited saviours and liberators. Instead, the intruding troops are rightly being viewed as invaders and occupiers and are being treated with the kind of mass contempt they deserve. Far from rising against Saddam's 'doomed and tottering regime', the masses are extending all possible assistance to the Iraqi troops to engage the Anglo-American invaders in a severe and protracted urban warfare. Bush had not bargained for this tremendous display of resurgent Iraqi nationalism backed by an equally powerful explosion of street solidarity all over the Arab world.

The war has already greatly intensified all the basic contradictions in world politics. The anti-war movement reflecting the growing antagonism between capital and labour in the developed capitalist world is becoming increasingly powerful so much so that The New York Times had to acknowledge it as the second superpower of the present era. Inter-imperialist rivalry, mistakenly believed to have become a feature of the past, has come back with a vengeance as 'old Europe' reasserts its identity in the face of the accelerated American drive for absolute global hegemony. And across the third world, more and more developing countries now realise that the war on Iraq portends a direct threat to the very foundation of their national independence and economic development. The net upshot of the war so far has thus been tremendous isolation for the US and its allies. The ugly American dream of a unipolar US-dominated world is all set to be buried in the deserts of Iraq.

Delhi Witnesses Biggest Anti-War Mobilisation Till Date
"Bush Is War-Criminal No. 1
-- Hang Him"
Thousands of CPI(ML) Activists Demand Immediate End to the War

As the Anglo-American invaders run into tougher resistance inside Iraq, global opposition to the war is also growing with every passing day. Delhi witnessed the biggest anti-war demonstration in the country since the war broke out on March 20 as thousands of CPI(ML) activists and supporters took out a massive rally, on March 28, demanding an immediate end to the war and withdrawal of the Anglo-American invaders from Iraq. The CPI(ML) also sponsored similar demonstrations in other major centres like Chennai, Kolkata and Ranchi.

The rally started from the Ramlila Maidan and culminated in a protest meeting on the Parliament Street. The rallyists carried hundreds of placards and huge banners and festoons that screamed "Stop the War" and "Send Bush and Blair Packing from Iraq". "Bush is War-Criminal No. 1 - Hang Him," read one placard. There were also some placards denouncing the Bush and Blair pair as "butcher and liar". The marchers condemned the slavish attitude of the Vajpayee government to the US and accused the RSS-dominated BJP-led regime of betraying the country and insulting the glorious anti-imperialist legacy of the Indian people.

Addressing the anti-war meeting near Parliament, CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya called for broadening and intensifying the anti-war campaign in every corner of the country. He gave a call to "boycott all American brands, picket all American establishments and challenge every American instrument of domination".

Calling for an immediate end to the war and withdrawal of all foreign troops from Iraq, Comrade Dipankar sought urgent intervention of the UN Security Council and General Assembly to this effect. He also appealed to the international community to declare Bush and Blair as war-criminals and try them in accordance with the international law.

The meeting was also addressed by veteran CPI(ML) leader from Bihar Ram Naresh Ram and several other leaders including the party's UP State Secretary Akhilendra Pratap Singh, agricultural labour leader Rameshwar Prasad, trade union leader Swapan Mukherjee, peasant leader Krishna Adhikari, youth leader Lal Bahadur Singh, student leader Kavita Krishnan, prominent anti-WTO campaigner SP Shukla, Communist leader from Punjab Tarsem Jodha and noted journalist Sumit Chakraborty (Editor, Mainstream).

The meeting adopted a number of resolutions including one which congratulated the brave people and forces of Iraq for putting up a heroic resistance and expressed the unswerving solidarity of the Indian people with their Iraqi counterpart in the struggle against US imperialism and in defence of Iraq's independence and the inalienable right of the Iraqi people to determine their own destiny. The growing international movement against the US-led war of aggression as a most exciting and inspiring development of the present era was welcomed in another resolution. The resolution had a special word of praise and support for the anti-war forces in countries like the US, UK, Australia and other key members of the US-led coalition adding that the voice of peace in these countries meant a clear and welcome rejection of the ugly politics of jingoism and racism.

Thousands of anti-war protesters marched through major avenues of Ranchi, capital of Jharkhand, on the day and held a mass meeting at Survey Maidan. Kolkata, in West Bengal, also witnessed a large mobilisation of people. The demonstrators here held an impressive march which started from College Square and concluded in front of American Information Center in a mass meeting. A memorandum was also handed over to the concerned officials of the American Center condemning the war and demanding immediate withdrawal of US-led forces from the Iraq. The demonstrators carried banners and placards with slogans against war and imperialism. A huge anti-war march and rally was held in Chennai,Tamil Nadu. Thousands of CPI(ML) activists and supporters also joined this rally from nearby states.

In Rajasthan, Jaipur and Udaipurwitnessed rallies organised jointly by all left parties and democratic organisations including CPI(ML). AISA and RYA also participated in the rally in Udaipur. In Banswara, a discussion on various aspects of the war on Iraq and Imperialism was held with Party activists. In Patna, Bihar, an anti-war march was taken out from Gandhi Maidan to Income Tax round-about where it was converted into a day-long sit-in. An effigy of Bush was also burnt. Jan Sanskriti Manch's cultural troup 'Hirawal' also presented anti-war songs on the occasion.

CPI(ML)'s continuing nationwide campaign against war is witnessing various programmes in almost all corners of the country. In Bihar, a massive anti-war rally was held at Gopalganj which was attended by many thousands on April 1. This was addressed by Comrade Dipankar Bhattacharya.

In Andhra Pradesh on March 23 a protest march was held at Kathipudi of Sankhavaram Mandal of East Godavari district and effigy of Bush was burnt. On March 24, divisional head quarter of scheduled area Rampachodavaram of East Godavari district witnessed protest march against war and, in Kakinada, effigy of bush was burnt before collectorate while in the evening a protest rally was brought out by nine Left parties. Anti-war programmes were also taken at Chatrai Mandal of Krishna district and Chinthalapudi of West Godavari District.

In Assam, on March 23 a cycle procession was organised by AISA and RYA in Guwahati . On the same day an anti-war procession was organised by the Party in Tinsukia Town. On March 29 processions and demonstrations were held at Dibrugarh, Nagaon and Tezpur. In Behali a procession against war was organised on March 27 which ended in a mass meeting. And on March 31, a joint Left parties demonstration in Guwahati demanded the Speaker of the Assam Assembly to pass a resolution condemning war. In North Dinajpur in West Bengal, the district unit of the Party held a mass meeting on March 24. On March 31, under the banner of the Committee Against War on Iraq an anti-war march was taken out in Delhi which began from Subhash Park, near Red Fort, and culminated at Ramlila Maidan where apart from rendering anti-war songs, plays were also staged. Effigies of Bush and Blair were displayed and American and British products sold in India were burnt. This march, participated by all Left and democratic parties and organisations, condemned the barbarous and inhuman aerial bombardment of Iraq and called for the UN to intervene while Vajpayee govt. was strongly criticised for not condemning this war. On the same day, all Leftwing Central Trade Unions also observed partial cessation of work as part of a "Stop Work to Stop the War" campaign.

Resolutions Adopted at the Anti-War Rally by the CPI(ML) in New Delhi on 28 March 2003

1. This Rally articulates the Indian people's voice of indignation against the completely unjust and illegal US-led imperialist war of aggression on Iraq which has already killed more than 300 Iraqi civilians including children and women and is causing an unprecedented humanitarian disaster in the name of freeing the people of Iraq. We call for an immediate end to the war and withdrawal of all foreign troops from Iraq. We seek urgent intervention of the UN Security Council and General Assembly to this effect and call upon the Government of India to take urgent measures in this direction. We also appeal to the international community to declare Bush and Blair as war-criminals and try them in accordance with the international law.

2. We congratulate the Iraqi forces and the Iraqi people for their brave resistance to the Anglo-American imperialist invaders. This heroic resistance and the Iraqi people's sense of national pride and dignity provide a befitting reply to Anglo-American arrogance and hypocrisy. As fellow Asians and fighters against American imperialist domination, we express our fullest solidarity with the fighting people of Iraq and wish them victory in defending the freedom and sovereignty of Iraq and in upholding their inalienable democratic right to determine their own destiny.

3. We extend our full support to the growing international movement against the war. The massive global assertion of the forces of peace, freedom and democracy is a most exciting and inspiring development of our times. We particularly welcome the growing anti-war campaign right inside the US, UK and Australia and other member countries of the US-led coalition. The voice of peace in these countries marks also a powerful blow to the politics of jingoism and racism.

4. We strongly condemn the Vajpayee government's slavish attitude to the US imperialism. This RSS-dominated and BJP-led government has betrayed the country and insulted the glorious anti-imperialist legacy of the Indian people by refusing to oppose the war and take any international initiative for immediate restoration of peace and withdrawal of the invading Anglo-American troops from Iraq. This war not only has adverse economic implications for India, it also increases the danger of American intervention in the whole of South Asia. By refusing to condemn such a war the Vajpayee government has exposed its true anti-national and pro-imperialist colours.

5. We fervently appeal to all sections of the Indian people to stand by Iraq and rise in a powerful movement against the war. In particular, we appeal to all of you to boycott all American brands, picket all American establishments and oppose every American instrument of domination. We also resolve to intensify our efforts to oust the Vajpayee government and free India from the stranglehold of all unequal treaties and arrangements with the US, especially in the strategic sphere of national independence and security.

Shahadat Saptah in Memory of Martyrs

While protest demonstrations held by CPI(ML) and its mass organisations condemning the US-led war on Iraq went on throughout the last week of March, AISA and RYA commemorated Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Prasad and other martyrs of our times by organising a week-long Sahadat Saptah (Martyrdom Week) from March 23, martyrdom day of Bhagat Singh, to March 31, martyrdom day of Chandrasekhar. Various programmes were held during Shahadat Saptah in different centers.

In Siwan, where comrade Chandrasekhar was martyred six years ago, Party General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya led a 5,000 strong "Jan Pratirodh (Mass Resistance) Rally" and addressed a large mass meeting at Police Lines Maidan in Siwan. Before this, he went to Comrade Chandrashekhar's village Bindusar and garlanded the statue of the martyr. Comrade Dipankar said that Chandrashekhar is a symbol of the ongoing struggle for democracy at home and abroad and a source of inspiration to thousands of students and youth. The meeting was also addressed by comrades Amar Yadav, Satyadev Ram and Naimuddin Ansari.

Numerous other activities undertaken by AISA-RYA during the Shahadat Saptah include an AISA seminar held in Nawada and 'Resistance March' by AISA-RYA in Arrah. Observing Shahadat Saptah in Delhi, RYA held a bicycle rally at Narela on 23 March. In JNU, a colourful cultural programme was held on the night of 30 March in the memory of martyrs in which songs were presented and poetry recited. On 1 April, a people's convention was organised by AISA-RYA at Gandhi Peace Foundation on the topic "Martyrs of Our Times: Justice Denied -- Challenges before People's Movement. Apart from Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar, martyrs of other friendly movements like Sankar Guha Neogi, Safdar Hashmi, Awatar Singh Pash, Dutta Samant and Col. Pratap Save were also remembered in the convention. It was addressed by Prof Kamal Mitra Chenoy of JNU, Civil Liberty movement activist Chittaranjan Singh, filmmakers Ajay Bharadwaj and Sriprakash, AICCTU General Secretary Swapan Mukherjee and AIPWA General Secretary Kumudini Pati, and conducted by AISA President Kavita Krishnan.

Another Attack on Amar Yadav by Sahabuddin Gang

Sahabuddin's criminal gang once again attacked Comrade Amar Yadav on March 29 when he was coming from Andar to Darauli after campaigning for the 'Mass Resistance Rally'. His guard has been injured and admitted to the PMCH, Patna. This incident occured near Kanpakar village of Asaon police station was foiled as thousands of people along with guards of comrade Amar put up a strong resistance and forced the attackers to flee. The motor-bike of the goons was set on fire by the villagers. It may also be recalled that on Feb 10 Comrade Amar was attacked by Shahabuddin and his gang and his guard's rifle was snatched away which has still not been recovered.

The Party has demanded immediate arrest of the the criminals involved and declared that a befitting answer will be given to the attackers and repressors of the people.

Reports From the States

CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya addressed the 'Badlo Bihar' (Change Bihar) rally on March 30 organised at Darbhanga, an important centre in Mithilanchal region of Bihar where he criticised Atal Bihari govt. at the centre and said that the Indian govt. is mortgaging the sovereignty of the country in the hands of Bush's imperialist gang. He also emphasised on the need to strengthen the unity among Left-democratic and socialist forces to intensify the people's movement against anti-people governments at the centre and in the state. Comrade Dipankar also inaugurated 'Vinod Mishra Memorial Hall', the district party office at Darbhanga and con

CPI(ML) held a 'Jan Davedaari' (People's Assertion) Rally in Purnea on March 25 in memory of martyred Comrade Brajesh Mohan Thakur. This was addressed by Dipankar Bhattacharya. He called to strengthen the Party and the Left and praised the comrades working in the district for their continuing struggle against feudal remnants and criminalisation of polity.

CPI(ML) called for a successful Purnea bandh on March 23, supported by the district unit of CPI, against killings of three innocent youth who were participating in a gherao of a police station at Tikapatti on March 20 against police atrocities. The bandh evoked a good response from the masses.

In continuance of the movement opposing the anti-people "reforms" undertaken by the Govt. of Assam, eight Left and democratic parties including CPI(ML), CPI, CPI(M), SUCI, RSP, RCPI, JD(S) and Samajwadi Party held a "March to Assembly" in Guwahati on March 31. It was demanded to immediately withdraw the anti-people "reforms" proposed by the HN Das Committee on Fiscal Reform and withdrawal of the MoU signed by the Assam Govt. with the BJP-led Union Govt.

Following the programme of indefinite road blockade of the National Highway at Kathipudi on 20 March on the issue of drought, during which severe lathicharge was conducted by the police on the masses and leaders were arrested, protest rallies were held atPrathipadu , Sankhavaram and Thondangi mandals in Andhra Pradesh.

A dharna was held before the collectorate at Kakinada on the issue of house site for agricultural workers and the rural poor on March 24 and a memorandum was submitted to the District Collector.

The third conference of Party's Mandawali Area Committee in Delhi was concluded on March 30 which resolved to strengthen the organisation and intentensify the struggles on various issues.

The Ugly Face of War and Its Impact on People

While the much touted "shock and awe" strategy of US war-planners has received a befitting reply by the determination of the Iraqi people and putting up a fierce resistance by both regular and irregular fighters who had blocked the US-led forces. New attacks on civilian targets is taking place resulting in a leap in civilian death toll. 'Preemptive propaganda' of Anglo-American lies has been exposed as the truth came to the light. Indeed, it was the US-led forces that were the ones to have been shocked.

More devastating than the deaths from the bombing campaign is the looming humanitarian disaster from the destruction of infrastructure and the disruption of the "oil for food" programme on which the majority of the Iraqi population has relied, as well as the large numbers of internally displaced people, many with inadequate food or shelter. UN estimates that there are between 350,000 and 450,000 displaced people in Iraq's north and up to 100,000 children under the age of five in Basra who are threatened with death from dehydration and disease and are being forced to drink untreated water.

In this context, enormous opposition to the war against Iraq was evident again this weekend, as protests were held worldwide. In United States, Boston 50,000 people lay themselves down on Boylston Street to represent those being killed in the war., thousands of people also participated in marches and rallies in other American cities, including New York, Patterson and New Jersey. In Germany, protests were held in Berlin, Stuttgart and Frankfurt where people gathered outside American military bases and the US military's European Command. Large demonstrations were also staged in Poland, Rumania, Hungary, Russia, Brazil and Morocco. In Asia protestors faced down riot police outside the US embassy in Bangladesh. Some of the most significant protests were held on Sunday, particularly in Asia including in Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt and Malaysia and South Korea.

The Impact of this War on India: The exports to West Asia will decline and India's software industry, too, may witness lower growth rates. India's foreign exchange reserves may see a down trend. War may result in higher import bill and a drying up of forex reserves. Even corporates inability to raise money will force them to postpone their investment plans, delayed investment will reduce output in manufacturing sector. Higher prices will further reduce this sector's output due to sluggish demands. And most importantly, increase in oil prices (a 10-15 % increase is expected in prices of diesel, petrol and other products) will affect all sectors of India's economy and all sections of the people and will ultimately affect a reduction in GDP by at least 1 percent.