Support the Iraq Freedom Congress!

[MSchreader]

The situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate. Nearly every day, the media reports on the deaths of dozens and even hundreds of the people of Iraq, and the ongoing destruction of society at the hands of the U.S.-led occupation, the militias of political Islam and the so-called “resistance” forces. It has become clear that the ongoing slaughter will not end as long as it is left up to Washington, its Baghdad puppet or its disgruntled ex-employees.

For almost four years, the people of Iraq have cried out for peace and the restoration of civil society. And in return they have been bombed, shot and kidnapped; they have had their rights stripped from them, either by the occupation forces or the terror of the militias and “resistance;” they have been left with no electricity, no running water, very little food and almost no hope of the situation changing.

It is not enough to say that the occupation has failed. The occupation kills! The presence of the U.S.-led occupation has fueled the rise of the so-called “resistance,” and the sectarian militias and gangs. Iraq, one of the cradles of human civilization, is now on the verge of chaos and barbarism, due to the presence of these forces. And there is no way to get rid of one while allowing the others to exist. The occupation forces, militias and “resistance” keep each other alive, while draining resources and the very lifeblood from the people of Iraq.

If these barbarians are allowed to continue, there will be nothing left of the people of Iraq — their history and humanity — but ashes. They must be stopped!

There is only one force in Iraq today capable to putting an end to the combined barbarism of imperialist occupation, sectarian genocide and reactionary violence: the Iraq Freedom Congress. The IFC is the only force that has been able to cut across ethnic and religious divisions, and unite the people to fight for an independent, democratic, secular and non-ethnic Iraq. In the months since the IFC was formed, they have successfully formed a united front representing the real majority of the people of Iraq, including workers, women, ethnic and religious minorities.

Neighborhood by neighborhood and town by town, the IFC is being recognized as the only force capable of rebuilding civil society and a future for Iraq. Trade unions, women’s rights organizations, workers’ councils, NGOs, children’s centers, unemployed organizations and many more have joined the IFC and have pledged to support their struggle. Through the IFC’s Safety Forces, their armed self-defense and security force, the hope of peace, and an end to the threats of terror by militias and the “resistance,” has begun to grow in neighborhoods and towns throughout the country.

We who support the IFC in the United States have a special responsibility to take part in this work. This is because it is this country, in the form of a government that claims to represent us, that has led the people of Iraq down this path to barbarism. It is our responsibility to organize a movement in this country that not only calls for the immediate, unconditional withdrawal of all U.S.-led occupation forces, but also opposes giving support of any kind to those who have also contributed to the destruction of Iraq: the sectarian militias and reactionary “resistance.”

For this reason, we have organized ourselves as a U.S. Chapter of the Iraq Freedom Congress and have established an Organizing Committee to help coordinate the work of the Chapters branches and supporters across the country. We encourage all those who oppose the occupation and support a democratic, secular and progressive alternative for Iraq to join the IFC-USA.

December 15, 2006

Iraq Freedom Congress - U.S. Chapter: http://www.freewebs.com/ifc-usa

[MSchreader]

1. One gratuitous, self-serving

:kick:

[MSchreader]

2. What the IFC Does: IFC Safety Forces Defend Al-Azeem Neighborhood (Baghdad)

After learning of anonymous threats made to the residents of Al-Zaeem in the central Baghdad, the Safety Force was deployed in an area across the street from the Sheraton hotel to protect civilians. The request for deployment came from the Organization of Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI) and the Federation of Workers' Councils and Unions in Iraq (FWCUI).

A Safety Force official stated that the Force was deployed immediately in the area and set up check points to search any suspicious vehicles or people. This operation encouraged the suspected groups to retreat and disappear after they learned that the area is protected by the Safety Force.

At the end of the action, the people of the neighborhood including OWFI came forward to greet, thank and appreciate the Force for their work.

IFC Media Center
December 5, 2006

Below: IFC Safety Forces in formation after training:

[MSchreader]

3. IFC Work: Residents of Al-Mashrooa form Safety Force

IFC leadership represented by Ab'dalhadi Al-Fatlawi and Saeed Nima met with the residents of al-Mashrooa in Ali'wathya district in Baghdad Friday, December 8, 2006.

Saeed Nima talked about the political situation, the sectarian war, and IFC alternatives to defend and protect civilians. Abdlhadi Alfatlawi spoke about the role of the sectarian media in inflaming hatred among people. He assured attendees that IFC’s satellite TV programming will be broadcasting soon in an effort to educate people on human rights, peace and democracy.

Local municipal officials also attended the meeting. These officials stated that they were ready and willing to coordinate efforts in terms of providing basic civil services such as fuel. They also greatly welcomed the IFC’s efforts to salvage society from this ongoing agony.

At the end of the meeting, residents declared the formation of a Safety Force and their willingness to achieve the IFC goals to provide safety and security.

On another occasion, the IFC announced the affiliation of the Al-Noor Humanitarian Organization, after a meeting took place between Muslim Sabbar, the head of the organization, and Saeed Nima, IFC relations official.

IFC Media Center
December 13, 2006