Leaflet against the war has been distributed!

Youth of the Communist Party of Turkey have published a
leaflet declaring their position against the filthy war on
Iraq. The points emphasised in the document, which was
distributed on the streets and in campuses were as follows:
Imperialism itself is the main reason and source of the
upcoming war and of all modern wars.

The Turkish bourgeoisie is preparing to sell the country
and the blood of its citizens to imperialist aims.
Standing against the war passes through standing against
NATO and the US.

The EU is the second imperialist actor in the world.
Pacifism, which overlooks this fact cannot be of any value.
During a possible war in the region, the response of the
working class of Turkey will be an organized struggle for
peace.

The communist students neither want to kill nor die, but to
receive education and produce for the welfare of society.
It is useful to remember the often bloody register of US
imperialism; not only to commemorate those murdered, but
also to raise the banner of the struggle.
Universities shall become the citadels of the
anti-imperialist struggle.
***********************************************************

The Blood Bargain

Last weeks saw Turkey's steady approach towards the
oncoming war on Iraq. Following visits by high-level US
bureaucrats in Ankara, and the monthly meeting of the
powerful National Security Council (NSC) with the subject
first place on its agenda, it was left for the US
Ambassador in Ankara to reveal the concrete plans proposed
by the US for a Turkish involvement: more blood for more
money!

An important analysis by the Communist Party of Turkey
(TKP) states that the current strategy of the Turkish
bourgeoisie aims to integrate itself in imperialist plans
at the highest possible level. This is an obligation,
reflecting a fear of being neglected and isolated. In this
framework, it can be seen that the ruling class of Turkey
has no chance but to lead the country to participate in a
possible attack, although the consequences will most likely
worsen the economic and political conditions of the
country. Thus, the discussion among the ruling class is
focused on the extent of the bargain, and the amount of war
compensation to be obtained.

* And who stands against the war? Meanwhile, the public opinion in Turkey
is strongly against
a war, which has been reflected in recent polls, where more than 80% have
opposed any engagement in a war against Iraq. On the other hand, lack of
mass organisation appears as a limiting factor in the promotion of an
anti-imperialist struggle, a gap, which TKP is currently struggling to
fill.

In this context, it was not surprising to hear some of the ruling Justice
and Development Party (AKP) leaders declare their resolve against the war.
This reflects mainly the problem of justification, but is also intended to
contribute to strengthen Turkey's hand in the bargain with the US.

* Anti-imperialism is a must for the anti-war movement

It is the lack of organisation of the working class, which allows for such
an irritating blatancy of the bourgeoisie. However, the Communist Party of
Turkey believes that it is possible to change this situation. The Party
has sent letters to MP's of the government, demanding to know who the
decision maker in this country is. On the 22nd of December, an anti-war
meeting was held in Ankara, with the participation of the Communist Party.

Secondly, the TKP considers the anti-war movement's anti-imperialist
character of utmost importance. An apolitical opposition will not only be
unstable, but it
will also be easy to break with arguments such as national security, as is
done in the US and in our country. On the other hand, a strong
anti-imperialist reaction against the war will open new opportunities for
progressive movements in the region and in the world.


TKP BULLETIN No: 1 January 5, 2003
Osman Aga Mahallesi Nushet Efendi Caddesi No: 38
Kadikoy/Istanbul
Tel: +90 216 414 65 04 Fax: +90 216 346 11 37
int@tkp.org.tr  www.tkp.org.tr