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The US imperialist invasion (attack) against Iraq must be opposed!

Anti-Imperialist Front - February 10, 2003

[The following is the third in a series of leaflets produced by the Anti-Imperialist Front in preparation for an action against US plans to attack Iraq which will be held in Jakarta on February 15. Translated by James Balowski.]

What is imperialism?

Imperialism = Colonialism. Imperialism (colonialism) is established though economic or military means, depending on the development of a particular society and the crisis which is being experienced by an imperialist nation. Before the 1945 proclamation [of Indonesian independence], we were colonised by the Dutch and Japanese. Although we are politically independent, economically we are not free, we are still in debt to other nations (the rich countries).

Who are the imperialists?

Imperialism is implemented through state power. Thus we often hear the term “imperialist countries”, such as the American imperialist nation, Japan, Europe (France, Germany and England). These imperialist nations are some of the richest countries in the world. They own and control capital and technology which exploits the people of developing nations so that they may become rich (remember, the rich are the capitalist class not working people, and the capitalist class is the one which controls the state). Through the governments of Third World countries, they exploit the people through military and economic means (the institutions of the IMF, World Bank, World Trade Organisation and the Consultative Group on Indonesia). Militarily trough war, economically through [foreign] debt, privatisation, abolition of subsidies, market liberalisation (allowing products from the rich nations to enter the markets of poor countries but not the other way round). Thus we refer to the governments of Third World countries who implement the policies of the imperialist nations as PUPPET GOVERMENTS OF IMPERIALISM, such as the government of Megawati-Hamzah Haz.

What is the current agenda of the imperialist nations?

Because capitalism is in crisis, they need a way out which is fast and effective. In the beginning of the development of capitalism, imperialism was carried out through colonialism. In the 1930s, the capital crisis resulted in the First World War. In the 1940s, completion between the imperialist nations resulted in the Second World War. Now, through the foreign debt, the imperialist countries are pressuring the governments of Third World nations to implement an economic program which will benefit the rich countries which considering the conditions of the people of the debtor countries (for example the cuts to subsidies for people which result in increases to the price of goods). Through privatisation, the imperialist countries control the nations assets. If a peaceful road cannot be used by the puppet governments of imperialism, the imperialist countries resort to blockades (Cuba, North Korea), the overthrow of regimes which are not submissive (such as Venezuela) and through war (Iraq).

Why should the people of poor nations, such as Indonesia, reject the US military invasion of Iraq?

Firstly, because the people of poor nations must act in solidarity with the poor people of Iraq. Secondly, in truth we are all colonised in different ways by US imperialism: the people of Iraq through military means, the people of Indonesia though the IMF, World Bank, Wold Trade Organisation and the Consultative Group on Indonesia. Thirdly, in order to oppose the imperialist countries we must unit all working people, both those in the rich countries as well as those in the poor nations. Fourthly, we cannot expect  that the Mega-Hamzah regime will oppose the interests of US imperialism. Fifthly, if the US imperialist attack on Iraq actually occurs, it will result in price increases to oil and we will most certainly feel the impact of such increases. (Remember: on January 1, the Mega-Hamzah government increased the price of oil). It is therefore absolutely correct to conclude that the imperialist war is not a war between religions!

Therefore there are clear grounds for why we call for the following:

1. Reject the US military attack against Iraq
2. Reject the IMF, World Bank, WTO, CGI and their lackeys
3. Reject privatisation and the cutting of subsidies for the people
4. Reject racist US policies towards Indonesian citizens

Time: 11am on Saturday February 15, 2003
Route: Hotel Indonesia – British Embassy – United Nations – US Embassy – Presidential Palace