Al-Ghad

In an editorial titled “frank discussions… for ending the occupation and saving the homeland”, the editorial denounced the policy of genocide and complete destruction perpetrated by the occupation forces in a number of Iraqi cities. Al-Ghad, the voice of the Iraqi Left, including that of the Iraqi Communist Party (Central Command) denounced the ‘election’ process executed by the occupying forces, stating that such elections will lead to a “civil war conducted by Iraqi hands, driven by the occupation authorities”.

Al-Ghad editorial continued;” after the destruction of Falluja, and before it Najaf and other Iraqi towns, it is now clear that the promised ‘elections’ in Iraq became a cover for the execution of a military plan aimed at consolidating the occupation and diverting world public opinion from the destruction and shedding of innocent blood. At the same time, preparations for an international conference in Egypt are under way, to legitimise the end results wanted by Washington’s with its current massacres, and for deciding the destiny of Iraq in the absence of the legitimate representatives of the Iraqi people.”

Al-Ghad newspaper called for avoiding the dangers of civil war, and for holding “elections that represent the true will of our people” that should be held under the following conditions:

“First- Announce a timetable for ending the occupation and withdrawal of foreign troops completely from all areas of Iraq, with support of the Security Council.

Second- Conduct the elections under international supervision decided by the UN with personalities well known for its credibility and respect by the world peoples.

Third- Agree, as much as possible, on a fair system for proportional representation for all sectors of Iraqi society.

Hypothetically, the consequences of such a scheme, if carried out, especially in the wake of a probable American forced withdrawal and demoralisation, are so awesome that even the theorists of “Shock and Awe” shy off contemplating as they speak in a casual way of splitting Iraq. So it might be in order raise this sensitive topic.

Fourth- Representatives of the main sectors of Iraqi society to announce its rejection of the campaigns of destruction and killing of Iraqi towns conducted by US forces, and also condemn the terrible crimes and mutilations perpetrated by suspect cliques that damage the reputation of the Iraqi people and the legitimate patriotic resistance and provide great services for the occupiers, helping them in justifying the occupation.”

Al-Ghad added “in the absence of these conditions the elections will be a falsification of the popular will and elongation of the occupation by giving a legitimate international cover to a brutal occupation, executed against the International will”.