Editorial

Spies and informers beware

Two comments should be made about the ongoing ‘Stakeknife' affair. First is that if British Intelligence was capable of pointing a finger at the ill-fated Mr Notarantonio in 1987 in order to protect their sources, why would they not do the same now with an equally innocent Mr Scapatticci? Nothing emanating from that quarter can be taken at face value. Even the Leader of the House of Commons, John Reid, was moved to give an interview to the Old Thunderer complaining about the dishonesty of elements within the service.

The second observation is why Sinn Fein continues to deny the obvious and why it doesn't simply admit that in all likelihood, the enemy has indeed penetrated their party and at a senior level. It is almost inconceivable that after thirty years, the British do not have very significant assets in the highest echelons of a movement that has effectively operated in the open since the end of internment without trial in 1975. The problem of course for the party would be to then assure its supporters that some of the conspicuous u-turns performed over the past 20 years were indeed strategically clever moves rather than errors done on dubious advice. In the long run Sinn Fein will only clear this hurdle when it stops its practice of attacking messengers - even the somewhat irritating ones - and begins to defend its policies in open and honest debate. Otherwise it will remain vulnerable to whispers and innuendo.

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Since publishing our last issue, the US and Britain have invaded Iraq and installed a new regime in place of the old and vile government of Saddam Hussein. There is no reason whatsoever to regret the passing of the brutal former dictator nor is there any cause either to welcome the imposition of the New World Order in this region. The Bush administration did not launch its drive to topple Saddam because he was a reactionary dictator and genocidist, but because his removal assists US imperialism expand its area of influence. Washington is determined to ensure that its political hegemony matches its mastery of technology and domination of the international media.

The debate over the existence of weapons of mass destruction remains a matter of major importance because it goes to the heart of the argument about right and wrong in international affairs. The US and Britain chose to go to war over the unproven weapons issue and not over the widely acknowledged barbarism of Saddam. Because to opt for the latter would have created a dangerous moral precedent that Washington and London have no intention of observing. If overthrowing barbaric and corrupt regimes became a regular practice in the world, Bush and Blair might find themselves short of allies in several key areas around the globe.

It is becoming increasingly clear that the only weapons of mass destruction that British and US troops will now find in Iraq will be those that they place there themselves. Hans Blix, the now redundant UN chief arms inspector, recently said that; “It is not justified to jump to the conclusion that something exists just because it is unaccounted for.” This is a pointed reminder of the absence of any evidence to justify the original justification for war. The reality is that Bush and Blair were determined to achieve their war agenda come what may.

There may not be much we can do, in the short term, to stop the imperialist machine but we can at least make sure that we call the business for what it is and refuse to allow it to get away,as imperialists did in previous centuries, with ascribing high moral principles to its avariciousness. Thus ‘outed’, progressive humanity may all the sooner end it.

FOURTHWRITE, PO BOX 31, Belfast BT127EE