Will the left formulate a socialist foreign and defence policy? Like Robin Cook’s ethical foreign policy, this will be easier to do than to implement. A debate should clarify thinking. At present, the messages are mixed.
Britain’s “illegal” war against Iraq is condemned. Would it be supported if it were “legal”? Who determines legality and using what criteria? The United Nations? The UN is composed of 192 members, 15 on the Security Council, each with its own interests to pursue.
What would have been the correct socialist attitude to Britain’s declaration of war against Germany in 1939? The Communist Party of Great Britain supported it until the Soviet Union said it was an “imperialist” war. Then the CPGB switched to opposition. Ed Balls and Ed Miliband have declared their opposition to the Iraq war. Why now?
Saddam Hussein ordered four giant guns from Britain which would have brought Israel into range for bombardment with conventional weapons and chemical and nuclear shells. British customs stopped delivery, but his intentions were clear.
Mark Seddon (Tribune May 21) argues: “Labour must call a halt to the ruinous war in Afghanistan”. The Second World War was ruinous. Did we make the wrong decision then? What of the consequences for British security and Afghan women’s human rights? Do we care?
