The Guardian 20 April, 2005
Mass struggle on the upswing in Iraq
Susan Webb
Tens of thousands of Iraqis demonstrated against the US occupation, April 9, in
Baghdad. Some estimated the numbers as high as 300,000. The rally reflected the
virtually unanimous anger in Iraq over the US military presence and the devastation it
has caused. At the same time, it indicated the complexities facing Iraq's democratic and
progressive forces who are seeking to build a united, secular, democratic state.
The peaceful protest, held on the second anniversary of the toppling of Saddam Hussein's
regime, was initiated by backers of Islamic fundamentalist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. Observers
saw it as evidence that Sadr is engaging in the political process instead of armed actions. It was
also widely seen as a flexing of political muscle aimed at increasing Sadr's clout in the
transitional government now in formation.
Last month, an armed group associated with Sadr attacked students picnicking in a park in
Basra. Using truncheons and rubber cables, the attackers beat female students not wearing
headscarves, shaved off one woman's hair, and smashed cell phones, cameras and stereo
players. One student was shot and later died.
The incident sparked mass protests, including a strike by university students, who said they
would not stand for "the new tyranny" of "political Islam". Student groups negotiated with the
provincial governor and won the removal of Islamic "security and protection" committees from
the campus.
It was the first mass action of this type since the US invasion, and has helped galvanize student
activism in Iraq, said Iraqi Communist Party (ICP) spokesperson Salam Ali. "It was a test of
strength, part of the fight for democratic rights." He called it an indication of the growth of mass
organisations in the country.
This month, a new ICP office in Baghdad's impoverished Sadr City neighbourhood was
attacked and burned in the middle of the night. Many believed that Sadr supporters were behind
the attack, as retaliation for the party's active role in the Basra student protests. The attack drew
wide condemnation in Sadr City and beyond. Soon after, Sadr's group asked for a meeting with
the ICP leadership.
A high-level delegation met with ICP leaders and delivered a personal letter from Sadr,
distancing himself from the attack and saying he wished to cooperate with the Communist
Party.
Sadr's movement is not homogeneous, and he is not able to fully control it, the ICP's Ali noted.
He called Sadr's overture to the ICP a "very significant" development, showing that the cleric is
open to pressure.
The Iraqi Communist Party works to maintain "normal relations" with Sadr and other Islamist
groups, Ali told the World. "At the same time, we are determined to stand up for
democratic rights, for women, for students, and others", he said.
"The main contradiction we face is with the US occupation", Ali said. "We are very careful not to
raise contradictions with other Iraqi groups." But, he emphasised, defence of democratic rights
is "essential to our big battle to end the occupation and move forward to an independent,
sovereign Iraq".
"The US will try to maintain its influential position in Iraqi politics without being seen to openly do
so", Ali commented. How Iraq's new government deals with the occupation will depend on the
balance of social forces, he noted. He expressed hope that independent voices will make
themselves heard calling for a clear timetable for a US withdrawal, with UN
participation.
The government will be dominated by three political blocks, the Shiite United Iraqi Alliance, the
Kurdish block, and previous prime minister Iyad Allawi's group. Its key tasks include drafting
and ratification of a constitution, and organising national elections at the end of the
year.
The delay in forming the government, due to extended jockeying for power, aroused
considerable public anger and has undermined the credibility of these groups, especially the
Shiite alliance.
Critical problems that Iraqis expect the government to deal with include security, public services,
employment, and accountability of public officials.
Living conditions are "really bad — actually they have worsened" under the occupation, Ali said.
He cited a recent UN report that malnutrition in children under five has nearly doubled. More
than one-quarter of Iraqi children don't have enough to eat. Infant mortality has also
risen.
There is great concern that areas that were bombarded by the US are heavily contaminated by
depleted uranium, and Iraqi groups are demanding an independent UN
investigation.
Poverty and joblessness are major problems, with unemployment around the country ranging
from 25-50 per cent. Needed services and supplies, such as medicines, don't reach the people
because of "unprecedented corruption within the government", Ali said. "It is one of the hot
issues."
Thabit Abdullah, an Iraqi exile who is professor of history at York University in Canada, said
addressing the "overwhelming bread and butter issues" is a priority to advance Iraq's
progressive and working class movement.
He cautioned that the Iraqi left is working under extremely difficult conditions and is forced to
make difficult decisions and concessions. "In no way does that mean the American left should
moderate its opposition to Bush and neo-imperialism. But don't blame us [the Iraqi left]", he
said. "I believe the Iraqi democratic movement is coming back, but you have to have
patience."
People's Weekly World