There's always money for war
Posted: 13th December 2024
Newsletter – 13/12/24
“To prevent war, NATO must spend more,” so said Mark Rutte, NATO secretary-general on Thursday.
By this he meant more money for the NATO war machine. Already the UK government has pledged to increase its defence spending to 2.3% of GDP,
or £60bn. Rutte is now suggesting to raise it further – to 3%. As the saying goes, there’s always money for war.
But peace is not achieved through military escalation or piling weapons into war zones. Just look at the Middle East or indeed Ukraine. Years of building up war-chests and western powers providing high-grade weapons have hardly led to peace – rather the opposite.
In the Middle East the speedy fall of Assad was immediately followed by an Israeli and US bombing campaign, and Israeli tanks moved within a few miles of Damascus. The prospect for a peaceful transition is not looking good. Amidst the celebrations over the death of a brutal regime, there’s growing anxiety about what comes next. The imperialist vultures are circling, contributing to the chaos and instability in the region.
The anti-war movement must resist the risk of further Western intervention. From Iraq to Libya, Afghanistan to Ukraine, intervention by the Western powers and NATO has been catastrophic - they claim to defend democracy but in reality pursue their own goals at great cost. And of course, if they had a shred of humanity they would not be supporting the heinous crimes of Israel in Gaza.
Day of Action for Palestine – Tomorrow – 14 December
This Saturday 14 December is a day of action for Palestine. Up and down the country there will be vigils, street stalls, petitions and protests. Wherever you are join us to demand an end to British complicity in Israel’s genocide, that Britain stops arming Israel, and demonstrate your solidarity with Palestine.
For those in or near London there will be a rally at Parliament Square at 2:45pm. Speakers include StW’s president Brian Eno, writer and poet Michael Rosen, British-Palestinian actor Sarah Agha and British-Palestinian activist Leanne Mohamad, more tba.
The rally will be followed by a candle-lit protest at the gates of Downing Street in remembrance of the 44,500 killed so far, 70% of whom are women and children. Bring flowers or toys to commemorate the thousands of children who have been killed.
Step back from the nuclear brink: Ukraine, NATO and Trump
CND-StW Webinar – Wednesday 18 December
The rapid military escalation in Ukraine threatens to draw NATO into an all-out confrontation with Russia. With Trump entering the White House in January, NATO leaders are pushing for Europe to increase military support even further.
How can the peace movement pressure leaders to step back from the nuclear brink? What will a Trump Presidency really mean for Ukraine and Europe?
Speakers include: Retired US Colonel, Ann Wright, Sophie Bolt, General Secretary CND, Lindsey German, Convenor Stop the War, Tom Unterrainer, Chair CND.