Stop the War Local Groups Action Briefing: Thursday 9 July 2009

Today's Guardian reports that "there is deep concern within the government that public opinion is shifting against Britain's military presence in Afghanistan."

The death of seven British soldiers in seven days, the worst day of casualties for US soldiers in Afghanistan and the fact that British soldiers are now fighting an intensive war in Helmand has created a crisis.

Even the embedded and loyal journalists reporting from the front line make it clear the occupiers are facing stronger resistance than they expected and are not even in contact with the general population who have fled in advance of their offensive.

The government is under attack over the war from all sides. Ian Duncan Smith, the Observer and others are calling for 'a national debate' over the war, while opinion polls show the overwhelming majority want the troops out.

In this new situation we are asking all Stop the War groups to raise the profile of the campaign to get the troops out, including the following steps.

• London groups to join the protest at Downing Street 5-7 pm on the day th 179th British soldier's death is announced, which is the figure for British fatalities in the Iraq war. If the 179th death is announced on the weekend we will protest the following Monday at 5pm.
• London groups to publicise 'The Good War - Afghanistan and the Media' meeting Monday 13 July, 7.00pm, Upper Hall, Friends Meeting House, Euston. Speakers; Seumas Milne, Guy Smallman, Stephen Grey, Lindsey German.
• Every group should organise its own public meeting on Afghanistan - for help with speakers contact the office.
• Step up the Troops Out of Afghanistan petitioning. Using the petition at work, on stalls at meetings helps put the issue centre stage. The petition can be signed on line or downloaded.

Resources

• The Guardian today carries a centre page spread which locates Afghanistan at the centre of 'A Crucible of Conflict'.
• Timeline Afghanistan. Stop the War Officer John Rees has produced an excellent 25 minute documentary on Afghanistan. DVD's are available from Stop the War office.
• Our pamphlet 'Afghanistan - Why we Should Get Out' has been reprinted again and is very popular, copies available from the Stop the War office