Time to tell Blair to go

 

This weekend the Labour Party will hold its annual party conference in Manchester. With all the recent drama over the leadership of the Party, the litany of policy failures and a looming NHS strike, it should be an interesting event. Not that New Labour is planning to let anyone but the most loyal of party members into the conference. Rather than have another repetition of last year when an 80 year old refugee from Nazi Germany was roughed up and manhandled out of the auditorium for shouting “nonsense”, the Party intend to strictly veto attendees.

However this is the best chance we will have to send Tony Blair an unequivocal message:

 

It’s Time To Go!

 

The Stop The War Coalition, with other groups, is organising one of its most important demonstrations so far. A huge protest is planned in Manchester on September 23 at 1:00 pm. If you are able to make it to Manchester this Saturday, I urge you to attend an help deliver to Tony this very simple message which he is having so much difficulty understanding. For full details of the protest including information on coaches and trains as well as a map of central Manchester with relevant meeting points and the route, please click here.

Tags: Blair, Protest, Labour Party Conference

The damage to Lebanon’s cultural heritage

The recent conflict in Lebanon, as well as causing over 1,000 civilian deaths and ruination of the country’s infrastructure, has also damaged some of the world’s most important archaeological sites. The worst damage is to the ancient port city of Byblos which is badly affected by the huge oil spill caused when Israel deliberately bombed the Jieh power plant several times causing the release of 15,000 tons of oil which has created the worst environmental disaster in the Mediterranean. The ancient stone harbour is now coated in thick toxic sludge.

Byblos, which has been continuously inhabited for more than 7,000 years, is still suffering from the oilslick.

The Lebanese authorities have not been able to clear up the oil, which leaked when the power station at Jiyyeh south of Beirut was bombed by the Israelis.

As the wave reaches the shore in Byblos, more oil is brought in from the Mediterranean Sea.

This is a town that has been invaded by many civilizations - but a man-made environmental disaster now threatens the port.
Source

Unless urgent action is taken soon the damage will become permanent. Other historic sites, although not directly bombed were damaged by the vibrations of nearby bombing. Particularly endangered are the splendid Roman ruins of Baalbek, some of the finest examples of imperial Roman architecture outside of Italy. Cracks in the lintel stones have widened and in Tyre frescoes have also been damaged on a Roman tomb.

Unesco is launching an urgent appeal for funds to restore these world heritage sites.

Tags: Lebanon, Culture