Greenpeace UK executive director, Stephen Tindale
In this special edition of the political column, Stephen Tindale, Greenpeace UK Executive Director, answers some frequently asked questions about the war on Iraq and the organisation's role in opposing it.
1. Why is Greenpeace opposed to the war?
Greenpeace is opposed to this war because it would be a humanitarian and environmental disaster, and because war is not a solution to the the threat of weapons of mass destruction. This war is largely about US companies getting hold of Iraqi oil. It is immoral and unnecessary.
2. Shouldn't the organisation concentrate on environmental issues?
As our name implies, we are both a green and a peaceful organisation. Greenpeace was founded by activists protesting against nuclear weapons testing. In many ways, we're going back to our roots by speaking out against this war.
3. Historically, is Greenpeace anti-war?
As an organisation we're not pacifist: we recognise the right of self defence and the fact that force may be justified to prevent immediate humanitarian catastrophe. Historically, we have spoken out against wars which we believe are not morally justifiable. We have also documented the environmental effects of some wars, such as the first Gulf War.
4. What are the environmental consequences of this war on Iraq?
Although it is hard to say at this stage, we believe it could be very serious. Contamination is likely to occur because of the destruction of oil wells and munitions, such as depleted uranium shells. Bombing power plants will lead to a breakdown of the water purification system and a massive risk of water-borne diseases.
5. What are the alternative solutions to dealing with weapons of mass destruction?
First, the international arms control regime needs to be strengethened and properly resourced. Both the Chemical and the Biological Weapons Conventions need to have legally-binding intrusive inspection regimes (the US blocked efforts to agree on one for biological weapons shortly after Bush came to power). Secondly, the five permament members of the UN Security Council need to stop being hypocritical and start meeting their own obligations to disarm. For example, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty requires them to negotiate in good faith to give up their nuclear weapons. They have been in material breach of this obligation for over thirty years.
6. What evidence is there that the Bush administration is trying to gain access to Iraq's oil reserves?
We know that the US needs to import massive quantities of oil, and that Iraq has massive quantities. We know that US oil companies like Exxon Mobil (Esso in the UK) fund front organisations which have been actively campaigning for an attack on Saddam Hussein. We know that Bush and most of his senior colleagues have close links to the oil industry. We know that if economic sanctions are lifted without a war the oil contracts will mostly go to French and Russian companies (which explains in part their diplomatic position).
7. The UK government has announced it will make British radar facilities available for the US National Missile Defence System or 'Son of Star Wars'. What are the implications?
The UK is colluding in the destruction of the existing arms control regime which should be being strengthened. Star Wars could well spark off a new arms race. It also makes us a target. Even if it works, Star Wars will do nothing to protect against a terrorist with a suitcase bomb.
8. You've called Blair a 'global statesman' in the past. How would you describe the role he's currently assuming?
Sadly, it appears that Blair is motivated by a belief that the only way to live in a world where the US is the only superpower is to agree with whatever the US government proposes. He has the opportunity to be a global statesman, but as Nelson Mandela has pointed out he is acting instead as George Bush's foreign minister.
9. How can members of the public oppose the war? What can people do?
People can continue to oppose the war, by lobbying MPs, joining demonstrations and taking part in acts of civil disobedience. Whatever you do, keep it peaceful at all times.
