Evidence would be that the RESPECT Coalition party represents the convergence of both socialist and Islamist anti-war factions, anti-war is one of the principle policy platforms of the party. One would think that claiming to be a personal friend to Tariq Aziz and being on the record congratulating Saddam Hussein for his "courage and indefatigability" would be the very last thing desired for a candidate on such a platform. Hugging up to fascist dictators is generally frowned upon by the left but in the case of Galloway he has been truly embraced by the SWP and ran with the full support. What other conclusions can be drawn? A man who is loathed by such a group would not recieve so much support.
His actions, including his trips to Iraq, the Mariam Appeal and his strident criticism of the war are reasons for him to be supported, taken together (the meeting with Uday in the context of his "charity work") they must only add to his credibility, after all why else would they continue to stand by the man when he has not repudiated his dealings with the regime even while he makes statements about how the Iraqi people really loved Saddam and only his political opponents had it worse off.
Why would I love Rumsfeld for aiding in perpetuating a war that killed so many people, created the conditions for the annexation of Kuwait and led on to a host of problems through the 1990's?
It would seem that such a position was taken with the intention of stability in the region, not allowing any single power to become dominant and ensuring that the energy reserves could flow unimpeded. A balance of terror that would sap two potentially dangerous powers - a position true to cold war realism whereby the end of stability was worth the means.
In retrospect the USA granting Saddam minimal support (other Western powers were involved too but the USSR was the principle backer all along) was an unwise choice, the silence over Anfal was inexcusable and is worthy of nothing but contempt. In acknowledging a measure of guilt over Saddams ongoing murderous reign it was a highly belated but responsible act to see the monster that they aided brought down.
I think UK citizens should be more careful on who they pick. hahahahahahaha
Great TV.
