Global Peace And Justice Auckland Newsletter #67, August 19, 2004

Website http://www.gpja.pl.net/ Contact details: Forums - John Minto, (09) 846 3173, jbminto@xtra.co.nz; Newsletter Editor - Mike Treen 0212547440 / 3616989 miket@pl.net Web page - Bruce Hubbard (09) 6232667 or 027 256 3933 Rulesofthegame@clear.net.nz Donations can be sent to GPJA, Private Bag 68905, Newton, Auckland. All communication regarding the GPJA mailing list (email or snail) should be addressed to gpja@xtra.co.nz

Dear friends,

New GPJA Schedule. Forums FIRST Monday of month and Organising Cttee meetings on the SECOND Monday. All volunteers welcome to help as part of the organising committee. (See "What's On in Auckland" below for details.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PEACE NOT WAR FUNDRAISING CD http://www.peace-not-war.org for 'No to War' action in Aotearoa NZ We have 7 CDs left - all of the money goes to GPJA and will be used to continue raising awareness about the fallout from the War on Iraq, and increasing threats to Civil Liberties here and elsewhere. Hundreds of artists donated their music to the project - 32 appear in the CD collection. $35 for a double cd set and lyric booklet + $2.50 for postage & packaging around the country (or, if in Auckland, you can arrange to pick one up). For Ordering Information: Phone Geraldene: 09 3765994 or Email: bern@ihug.co.nz with "Peace Not War CD" in the subject line. Special thanks to the Christchurch people at New Internationalist Magazine: http://www.newint.org/shop/nz/index.htm DISC ONE: Ani DiFranco / Sleater-Kinney / Public Enemy / Billy Bragg / Midnight Oil / Chumbawamba / DJ disOrientalist / Asian Dub Foundation -with Tariq Ali / Life / Seize the Day / Crass / Change / The Unpeople - with John Pilger / Slovo / Yo La Tengo DISC TWO: Ms Dynamite / Roots Manuva / Alabama 3 / The Mark of Cain / John Lester / GM Babyz / Torben & Joe - with Ken Livingstone / Nitin Sawhney / Funmental / SuparNovar / Laszlo Beckett / Pok & the Spacegoats / Stephan Smith - with Pete Seeger & DJ Spooky / Saul Williams - with Coldcut / Sia / Massive Attack / Bindi Blacher

RADIO CHOMSKY Help! Radio Chomsky was started 2 and a half years ago because of a perceived short fall in main stream media in accurately producing news and covering stories such as 9/11, the bombing of Afghanistan, IRAQ and many, many other stories. The difference between the official story and what people are saying in the 'alternative media' is often huge. Radio Chomsky if fast becoming a national network with stations in Grey Lynn, Glenfield, Hamilton and Christchurch. Radio Chomsky is not for profit. Radio Chomsky has received incredible publicity recently. I had not been actively seeking the publicity, however Radio Chomsky has huge appeal. The publicity has been great. But publicity has created expectations. There is an expectation that Radio Chomsky is bigger than what it is, that there will be locally produced shows, there will be more NZ content... etc. The truth is... I am stressed out and cannot do this on my own for much longer as well as running a business and being a husband and father... Can you help. I need people to produce shows, conduct interviews, schedule programmes and maybe ultimately host live content. The only criteria are that people who are involved care about social, environmental issues and about freedom of speech and free independent media. And be able to donate time. kind regards, Aaron Skudder, Radio Chomsky 107.1fm, aaron@llamatech.co.nz, 486 5066 027 274 8743

IF IT'S NOT FAIR - IT'S NOT FREE! What's wrong with a free trade agreement between New Zealand and Thailand - and how to find out more about it and object to it. The 'Closer Economic Partnership' (CEP) which NZ and Thailand are currently negotiating will do nothing to raise the appallingly low wages of Thais working in the export manufacturing and processing industries (legally as low as 77 cents an hour), or to improve their conditions of work and standard of living. It could well endanger the jobs of Kiwis working in the clothing, textile and appliance industries if tariff-free goods come in from Thailand, and put these companies out of business. NZ's global dairy company Fonterra pushed for this agreement, and if it encourages more intensive dairying in NZ then we can expect to see further water pollution and depletion - already at dangerous and unsustainable levels in the dairying provinces. Export-led growth is also leading to environmental abuses in Thailand, from unchecked industrial pollution, to destructive big energy projects, to targeting protected wild birds for removal in place of the battery system of chicken farming which is the real source of lethal bird flu. Neither New Zealand nor Thailand has a really open and democratic process for negotiating or concluding trade treaties - big business calls the shots. In Thailand the government IS big business, with the Prime Minister already one of the wealthiest men in Thailand and looking to gain more for himself, his family and his cronies from bilateral trade deals. More information on what's wrong with the CEP can be found at http://www.greens.org.nz/campaigns/trade/ThaiCEPsubmission.pdf and http://www.greens.org.nz/campaigns/trade/Thai-NZ FTA fact sheet.pdf More information on labour conditions in Thailand is available at http://www.thailabour.org/ and Thai concerns about free trade generally are on line at http://www.ftawatch.org/eng/ Speakers from Thailand in Auckland September 16 (See "What's On" below).

The New Zealand Disability Strategy focuses on ensuring human rights and a high quality of life for disabled people in New Zealand. The human rights and well being of disabled people are tied to accessing quality disability services. The provision of quality disability support services is tied to the Government funding the full costs of these services in New Zealand. The value of current disability support funding is being eroded by the decision by the Ministry of Health to impose an interim-funding freeze for the 2004/05 financial year. Staff providing these essential services are proud of the hard work they do with people who have intellectual and physical difficulties. Yet as the Health Workforce Advisory Committee has recognised, disability support workers continue to be low paid. This year, we face the prospect of a reduction in disability support services and a real reduction in the already low wages paid to disability support staff as a result of a the interim funding freeze. We are asking for your help. We need the Government to commit to increasing the funding for the disability support sector to keep pace with demand and the rising costs of providing such services. Funding must also be targeted to address the extremely low pay rates in the sector. This way we can ensure that those with disabilities receive the best support, and that those doing the work are paid appropriately for it. Please come to the public meeting on August 24 (see below) and show your support for this important issue. For more information contact: Kirsty McCully, Campaign Researcher, Service and Food Workers Union. Email: kirsty.mccully@sfwu.org.nz Direct Dial: 375 2687 web: www.sfwu.org.nz

Ongoing to 30 September - Foreshore and Seabed Bill Select Committee hearings, proposed dates currently are: Auckland - 23, 25, 26 August and 6, 8, 9, 27 to 30 September, Christchurch 15 and 16 September, Wellington - 24, 30, 31 August and 1, 2, 13, 14 September. If you are planning on making an oral submission to the Select Committee, or if you want to find out more about the legislation, there are a range of written submissions on the Bill online at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/fssubs.htm If you would like to add your submission to that web page, or would like advice or support for making an oral submission to the Select Committee, please email pma@xtra.co.nz

SUN, 31 October - deadline for nominations for The Roger Award For the Worst Transnational Corporation Operating in Aotearoa/New Zealand in 2004. The print off nomination form with information on judging criteria is available at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/rog04.doc Organised by GATT Watchdog and CAFCA, for more info contact The Roger Award organisers, tel (03) 366 2803, email notoapec@clear.net.nz

New resource - 'Repeal Section 59 of the Crimes Act' leaflets - "There is no law that permits an adult to assault another adult. There is no law that permits an adult to assault a dog or a cat. There is a law which permits an adult to assault a child in their care." Help stop the physical punishment of children by supporting the campaign to repeal Section 59. If you can help distribute these leaflets, contact Beth Wood email beth@unicef.org.nz - please include your name, postal address (the leaflets are only available in paper form), and say how many leaflets you would like.

New resource - 'The New Bush Lawyer's Handbook: a legal manual for NZ activists', a 54 page guide with information about your rights, avoiding arrest, what to do if you are arrested, what happens at a trial, making a complaint against police officers, search warrants, trespass orders and more. Copies are available from the Freedom Shop (upper Cuba Street if you are in Wellington), or by post from Freedom Shop, PO Box 9263, Te Aro, Wellington, $5 each or 6 for $20 (inclu p&p), please make your cheque payable to 'Freedom Shop'.

New book - 'Here And There', exiled Iraqi poet Basim Furat's book which includes poems reflecting his personal experience of the tragedy of war and exile translated from Arabic. Copies of 'Here And There' are available by post - please send your cheque for $21 (inclu p&p) per book, payable to 'Basim Furat', and a note with your postal details to PMA, PO Box 9314, Wellington. 'Here and There' will be launched in Wellington on 8 September.

New video - 'Whose news?', a beginners guide to the relationship between democracy and news media ownership in Aotearoa / New Zealand by Aotearoa Indymedia Auckland in association with PlaNet TV. "Presented as a Current Affairs style documentary, the programme engages with the media forms of print, television, radio and internet. Principle interviewees include: Political Studies lecturer, Joe Atkinson; Foreign Investment Commentator, Bill Rosenberg; and the Editor of Scoop, Alistair Thompson. The key question raised by the documentary is: What is the relationship between democracy and the function of news media in this country? This has implications for thinking further about local and global production of 'The News'. Other topics engaged with include: media ownership structures; the impact of de-regulation and commercialisation; censorship; editorial interests; media reporting of protest actions and the war on Iraq; the implications of the TVNZ charter; and the role of 'alternative' media in Aotearoa / New Zealand." Help non-profit media makers out by ordering a VHS copy rather than dubbing; for ordering information contact tel (09) 376 5994, email bern@ihug.co.nz

New petition - 'Christians for Civil Union', sign on at http://www.petitiononline.com/CCU/petition.html

Ongoing national petition - End NZ support for the 'war on terrorism' - calling on the NZ government to end its military and political support for the US government-led 'war on terrorism', and to recall all NZ military personnel who are involved in it. Available online at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/pet03041.pdf or for printed petition forms email saying how many you require, and include a note with the physical address to mail them to.

WHAT'S ON IN AUCKLAND

Saturday, August 21, 4pm, May Rd School, 504 Richardson Rd, Mt Roskill BOOK LAUNCH: VOICE OF THE TAMIL YOUTH. There has been an increase of Tamil migrants into New Zealand due to ongoing ethnic violence in Sri Lanka - many of them have been fortunate to settle successfully in New Zealand having gained residence on various categories. Now we have a young generation who have come from various backgrounds; born and bred here or recently settled. This youth community hosted a forum on 20th of March 2004 during the Race Relations Week organised by the Human Rights Commission. At the forum, youths presented their experiences in New Zealand, how they have integrated into the New Zealand way of life and what the future holds for them in Aotearoa, New Zealand. These valuable presentations are composed and becoming as a book. We are cordially inviting you to this very interesting event. Your presence at this event will be greatly appreciated and will encourage our youth. Powhiri & Welcome: Robert M Newson, Human Right Commission; Book Review: Julie Watson, Human Right Commission. Guest Speakers: Hon John Tamihere MP, Minister of Youth Affairs, Richard Worth MP, Bernie Ogilvy MP, Keith Locke MP. Vote of Thanks: Dr N Rasalingam QSM MNZM. Supported by Human Rights Commission. Contact : George Arulanantham (09) 622 4836, A/H (09) 620 6200

Saturday, August 21, 11-30am, meet at Queen and Custom Streets; 12-30pm walk, followed by entertainment till 2-30pm in Aotea Square 'Cherish Our Children ', walk against child abuse with singer Jodi Vaughan and CPS Training;. Please encourage everyone who can to come, to walk and enjoy the music and support the message that it is time to make a stand to protect our children. Part of the new 'Where's my teddy bear?' public campaign to increase awareness of child abuse, for more information about the walk and where you can purchase a copy of the 'Where's my Teddy Bear?' CD, see http://www.cpstraining.co.nz/resources/whatsnew/ or contact CPS Training tel (07) 838 3370, email info@cpstraining.co.nz

Sunday, August 22, 7-30pm, St Matthews-in-the-City 'Celebrating the Diversity of our Partnerships', an ecumenical service with guest speaker Rev Dr Margaret Mayman, Minister of St Andrews on the Terrace, Wellington, and featuring the hugely talented Gospel Choir 'Heaven Bent'; Organised by CCU (Auckland) and Auckland Community Church, for more info contact email auckland@civilunions.org.nz

Tuesday, August 24, 6-10pm, Kodak Theatre, Napier St, Freeman's Bay UN HOMBRE DE EXITO ( A Successful Man ) A Successful Man An epic chronicle of thirty years of Cuban politics and history, A Successful Man has been compared to The Godfather for its lavish period re-creation. The tale begins in the thirties with the brothers in school and the future full of promise.This is a story of corruption versus innocence and purity of right is blessed with Solás’ meticulous attention to detail. Directed by Humberto Solás, 1986. LA BELLA DEL ALAMBRA Cuba in the twenties. Rachel works as a chorus girl in a low establishment where the boundaries are blurred between artistic performance, prostitution, fun and exploitation. The film, a cross between a musical and a melodrama, is a good example of Creole culture and folklore. Thanks to Mario and Gonzalo Romeu’s music it received an Academy nomination for «Best Foreign Picture». Directed by Enrique Pineda Barnet, 1989 LIMITED SEATING - ORDER TICKETS FROM miket@pl.net

Tuesday, August 24, 6.30pm, Freemans Bay Community Hall, 52 Hepburn Street, Freemans Bay The Service and Food Workers Union and the IHC are holding a public meeting in Auckland about the interim funding freeze imposed on all DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES around the country. We are inviting all interested groups and individuals to attend the meeting to discuss this important issue with MPs and Disability Support Service organisations. There will be speakers from IHC, People First, the DPA and the SFWU. Could you please confirm your attendance by emailing kirsty.mccully@sfwu.org.nz or faxing (09) 375 2681 or phoning (09) 375 2687.

Saturday, August 28, 2.30pm, Level 1, 219 Federal Street, City 'THE VALUE OF THE UNITED NATIONS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN AOTEAROA', Dr Alison Blaiklock, Chairperson of Action for Children and Youth Aotearoa, speaks at the ACYA AGM; Alison has recently returned from the UK and Geneva, where she addressed the United Nations on New Zealand's compliance with the UN Convention Against Torture as regards children and young people. AGM is at 2-30pm, speaker at 3-15pm; Level 1, 219 Federal Street, City. If you are planning on attending, please RSVP to John Hancock ACYA Secretary, email john@youthlaw.co.nz or Peter Shuttleworth, ACYA Treasurer, email elaineandpeter@clear.net.nz

Sunday, August 29, 3pm, Manaia Room, Auckland Museum ‘PEOPLE'S VOICE' A screening programme that takes a looks back at protest, rallies and people's movements. People¹s Voice features the1951 Waterfront Lockout, Vietnam War protests, the 1981 Springbok Tour, and other moments in our history when people have found cause to speak their minds.

Saturday, September 4, 10.45am, St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont Street, Ponsonby UNIFEM NZ National AGM, starting with the 'UNIFEM Spring Walk' at 10-45am to raise money for maternity services and facilities in Solomon Islands and Timor Leste (or Plan B if weather is wet), followed by lunch at 12 noon with 'spot' speaker, and the AGM at 12-45pm. All members, friends and supporters welcome. For more info contact Beverley tel (09) 418 0700, email beverleyturner@nznet.gen.nz

Saturday, September 4, 2pm to 3pm, Aotea Square, Queen Street Palestine/Israel Rally for Peace, supporting peace and justice based on ending Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem; the right of return for refugees; sharing Jerusalem; removal of all settlements in occupied Palestine; and stopping the construction of Israel's annexation /apartheid wall. For more info contact David Wakim tel (09) 520 0201 or email wakim.fam@xtra.co.nz

Monday, September 6, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn. GPJA FORUM:

Monday, September 13, 7.30pm, Unite Office, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn GPJA organizing meeting

Thursday, September 16, 7:30 p.m., Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn NO BENEFITS FOR WORKERS IN A FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH THAILAND. The New Zealand and Thai governments are negotiating a free trade agreement. They want to have the deal signed by November 2004 - regardless of the answers to the following questions: Is it fair to workers? Is it democratic? Is it environmentally friendly? Is it a good deal? NZ politicians argue these agreements help third world workers. Hear how a free trade agreement between Thailand and New Zealand would hurt jobs, wages and working conditions, and damage the environment in both Thailand and NZ. Speakers from Thailand: Dr Jakkrit Kuanpoth associate professor of law at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Ms Sripai Nonsee, labour organiser and ex-factory worker. Tour supporters include: Action Research Education Network Aotearoa, Asia Pacific Workers Solidarity Links, Brass Razoo Solidarity Band, Campaign Against Foreign Control in Aotearoa, Clothing, Laundry and Allied Workers Union, Envision New Zealand, Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand, MADENZ, NZ Council of Trade Unions, Trade Aid. For more information on what's wrong with the deal and how to object to it, write to/e-mail Fair World Links, P.O. Box 13 367, Wellington 6004 links@actrix.co.nz

Thursday, September 16, 7.30pm, Room 039, ClockTower Bldg, 22 Princes Street, Bldg No. 105 University of Auckland Continuing Education Seminar: POST SEPTEMBER 11: WHO HAS PAID THE PRICE? Jim Headley, PhD; Heval Hylan, LLB; Margaret Taylor. Three years on who is paying the price for the September 11 attack on the World Trade Centre and the resulting "war on terror"? This seminar will look at how governments have used the fight against international terrorism to legitimise policies directed against secessionists within their states, with special reference to Russia and Chechnya. The impact of the "war against terror" on human rights both internationally and in New Zealand will be highlighted with discussion around specific cases where people have been detained without charge or trial for extended periods, for example, suspected terrorists held by the US at Guantanamo Bay, and the Ahmed Zaoui case in New Zealand.The consequences of the removal of Saddam Hussein and the reality of "post-war democracy" in Iraq will also be discussed. There will be opportunity at the conclusion of the seminar for questions and debate. Course Code: G3.291. Cost: $25/$18 (students, unwaged). To enrol ph: 3737599 ext 87831/87832 Pre- enrolment essential

September 16-20, The Capitol, Dominion Rd, Balmoral News Update! THE DATE PALM FILM FESTIVAL (formerly the Middle Eastern Film Festival), will be hot on the heels of the Telecom New Zealand Film Festival 2004. The 2004 Date Palm Film Festival focuses entirely on the Middle East and North Africa and will include six feature and three documentary films from Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Palestine, Israel and Iran - comedy, classical, romance, social issue, gay and political themes. The majority of these films are recent award winning productions and are unlikely to come back to mainstream cinema, New Zealand television or your local video shop so make the most of it! Festival details of screenings are now on our website at http://www.meff.org.nzIf you would like to receive the Festival catalogue please email your postal details or download a form from the website.( http://www.meff.org.nz) Best wishes from the team at the Date Palm Nadra Zarifeh, Festival Director, Date Palm Film Festival, P.O Box 11-494, Wellington, New Zealand. Tel 064 -4-236 0100, 064-025 285 1194. http://www.meff.org.nz. Date Palm Film Festival gratefully acknowledges the support of our "Friends of the Festival", Sassi Solutions, Waymark Solutions, Innovative Travel, WelTec, Avery Ford, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, SKYCITY Auckland Community Trust, Wellington City Council, Creative Communities Auckland City, Creative Communities NZ Christchurch City.

Tuesday October 12 & Wednesday 13 – Auckland. MARIE HILAO-ENRIQUEZ, FILIPINO HUMAN RIGHTS LEADER TOURING NZ OCTOBER 2004 THE PHILIPPINES IN THE FIRING LINE - AMERICA’S "SECOND FRONT IN THE ‘WAR ON TERROR’"AND THE IMPACT ON HUMAN RIGHTS. Marie Hilao-Enriquez is the head of Karapatan, one of the biggest and best known human rights groups in the Philippines, and also of Selda, the organisation of former political prisoners from the 1970s and 80s martial law dictatorship of the late Ferdinand Marcos. Marie herself was a Marcos prisoner and her family suffered badly (one sister was murdered by the military, another two siblings were imprisoned). Marie has been a leading figure in the Philippine human rights movement for the past 30 years. For Auckland details contact: Luke Coxon; ph (09) 8276059; mobile 027 2487005; e-mail: luke.coxon@finsec.org.nz Donations are welcome, to help with costs. Please make cheques to PSNA, with a note saying that it is for the Hilao-Enriquez Tour. Or you can make a donation directly into our bank account. If you do so, record it as a donation for the Hilao-Enriquez Tour and include your name. Send us an e-mail to tell us and let us know your name and address. Our account details: Philippines Solidarity Network, Kiwibank, 155 The Terrace, Wellington. Account number 389000 0792619 00. Details re other centres contact Philippines Solidarity Network of Aotearoa, Box 2450, Christchurch, New Zealand cafca@chch.planet.org.nz http://www.converge.org.nz/psna

December 2-5, Massey University, Albany An International Interdisciplinary Conference on Restorative Justice to be held at Centre for Justice and Peace Development Massey University Albany Auckland. "NEW FRONTIERS IN RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: ADVANCING THEORY AND PRACTICE" To express interest in attending and/or to offer a presentation email newfrontiers@massey.ac.nz or write to Dr. Warwick Tie, Centre for Justice and Peace Development, School of Social and Cultural Studies, Massey University, Private Bag 102 904, North Shore MSC, Auckland. Closing date for the submission of abstracts is the 31st May 2004. Conference URL: http://justpeace.massey.ac.nz/

BEST ON THE WEB

NZ Govt to Transnationals: Come In And Help Yourselves http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0408/S00122.htm

WATER Defend the Global Commons (July 2004) - A new issue of this magazine dealing with water privatisation issues is now available for download here: http://www.citizen.org/documents/Defend%20ENG.pdf

PAPUA International solidarity growing, says new book http://www.abc.net.au/ra/pacbeat/stories/s1175704.htm

ANTIWAR No Right Turn: NZ As A Supporter Of Torturers - I've been generally supportive of the deployment of New Zealand army engineers to Iraq, on the basis that their primary task is rebuilding things rather than oppressing the locals, and they've never had to fire their weapons in anger http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0408/S00086.htm NZ team adds to Afghan aid problem http://www.greens.org.nz/searchdocs/PR7697.html On June 22, the national convention of the Service Employees International Union — with 1.7 million members, the largest union in the US — voted unanimously to oppose the occupation of Iraq. http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2004/593/593p19.htm Veterans of Iraq war found anti-war organization http://newstandardnews.net/content/?action=show_item&itemid=812

MICHAEL MOORE Lies About Michael Moore: Most commentators in the Australian corporate media, whether the unashamedly hard-right terriers of the Murdoch empire or the "liberal" chihuahuas of the Fairfax press, have subjected Michael Moore's film Fahrenheit 9/11 to relentless attack. http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0408/S00122.htm

VENEZUELA Tariq Ali: Why He Crushed the Oligarchs -The Importance of Hugo Chávez http://counterpunch.org/ The Most Important Election Ever (In Venezuela): Why are members of the Venezuelan elite and significant sectors of the middle classes apoplectic at the thought of Chavez finishing out his term in office?" http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article6682.htm Chavez raps US imperialism : The US is the biggest single buyer of Venezuela's oil, but Mr Chavez accuses President George W. Bush of trying to topple him and has threatened to cut off shipments if the US intervenes in its affairs. Washington rejects these accusations. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article6683.htm Video: Greg Palast: Warning to Venezuelan leader : "The poor marched on the city centre" http://informationclearinghouse.info/article6478.htm CIA executives in contingency plot to overthrow Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez: El Mundo says the CIA plan appears to concede a Chavez Frias victory next weekend "for good or bad" and that Langley spooks are already working on a strategy to "neutralize" Chavez Frias by fair means or foul. http://www.vheadline.com/readnews.asp?id=22356

US EMPIRE America's Empire of Bases, By Chalmers Johnson http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article5537.htm

PRISONER ABUSE US Soldiers ordered to ignore prisoner abuse http://www.oregonlive.com/special/oregonian/iraq/index.ssf?/base/front_page/1091880082213032.xml Graphic photos of beatings in Iraq http://www.oregonlive.com/galleries/news/index.ssf?iraq

IRAQ: FOLLOW THE MONEY $1.9 Billion of Iraq's Money Goes to U.S. Contractors (inc Halliburton) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A37822-2004Aug3.html SEC has fined Halliburton $7.5 million for, in effect, defrauding its shareholders. http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/003247.php VP Cheney and Hallibuton’s fraud http://billmon.org/archives/001619.html The Hand-Over That Wasn't: Illegal Orders give the US a Lock on Iraq's Economy http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article6641.htm Pentagon can't document $1.8b of money given Halliburton http://www.boston.com/news/world/articles/2004/08/12/pentagon_says_it_cant_d ocument_18b/

IRAQ General Iraq news site updated daily http://www.uruknet.info/.?l=e There were three reasons why the Bush administration went to war: oil, Israel, and military transformation. http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/19472/

WAR AT HOME The war in Iraq is not the only one America is fighting. The other war concerns the non-violent, yet undeniably virulent, struggle in which those already rich are becoming even richer-often at the expense of those who are not even remotely prosperous. http://www.counterbias.com/082.html

US & UK SAYS TORTURE LEGAL Law experts condemn US govt justifications for torture http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article6637.htm UK: Court Of Appeal Gives Green Light To Torture http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0408/S00092.htm Shocking prisoner abuses are revealed: Prisoners at Guantanamo Bay were subjected to Abu Ghraib-style torture and sexual humiliation in which they were stripped naked, forced to sodomise one another and taunted by naked female American soldiers http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/story.jsp?story=547708

THE "FREE" MARKET World Trade Organisation: Framework will hurt Third World http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2004/593/593p16.htm Neoliberalism and the Demise of Democracy: Free market fundamentalism rather than democratic idealism is now the driving force of economics and politics in most of the world http://www.dissidentvoice.org/Aug04/Giroux0807.htm Louder than words: Campaigners for global justice must take a leaf out of Greenpeace's book and consider direct action, the head of an unusual aid organisation tells Matthew Tempest http://www.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,4985987-103635,00.html

PALESTINE Uprooted trees, razed houses...Israel leaves its calling card in Gaza http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=548358

ENVIRONMENT Scientists alarmed at increase in melt rate of ice : GREENLAND’S cover of ice is melting ten times quicker than previously thought, an increase that could lead to floods across the world, scientists have found. http://news.scotsman.com/scitech.cfm?id=891712004 Huge "dead zone" of water so devoid of oxygen that sea life cannot live in it has spread across 5,800 square miles of the Gulf of Mexico http://www.enn.com/news/2004-08-04/s_26379.asp Goodbye, kind world: People choose to believe the climate change deniers because the truth is harder to accept, by George Monbiot http://www.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,5673,1279603,00.html

PALESTINE/ISRAEL Twilight zone / Staying Alive http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/464037.html

Mike

© Scoop Media