It is now almost certain that the USA will go to war with Iraq this year. US army, navy and airforce commanders and 1000 command and control personnel already in position in the Persian Gulf, ready to coordinate the 200,000 troops Bush plans to send there. Already bombing raids against Iraq by US and British planes have intensified, Bush is about to demand that weapons inspectors be allowed into the country, and he also wants to make economic sanctions even harsher. Bush's plans will bring a catastrophe of nightmarish proportions to a people who have suffered enough in the last decade, and could easily cause the whole Middle East to explode.

Almost every day brings a new reason to demonstrate against Bush and Blair's war. US bombers are now targetting not only the remnants of the Taliban, but all opponents of Karzai's new government, even if they are part of the Northern Alliance. The new government in Afghanistan seems more and more to be built on sand, with one government minister being beaten to death in public and British paratroops, part of the "peacekeeping" force, firing on unarmed civilians. Bush's allies everywhere are taking the opportunity to step up their own wars on "terrorism" - Israel's Sharon is massively stepping up his repression of the Palestinians, and the Colombian government has just relaunched war against the FARC rebels after 3 years of peace talks.

Hit the Streets this weekend! With just one more week to go until the demonstration, we need to pull out all the stops to spread the word and build the demonstration as big as possible. Many people have been organising successful public meetings and street stalls in their local areas, and coaches are coming from all over the country. We urge everyone to continue their efforts, and to really hit the streets this weekend. Also, please contact the office with reports of activity you have organised.

Protest at the Israeli Embassy tomorrow In response to the massive escalation of the Israeli army's bombardment of the West Bank and Gaza, Al-Awda (the Palestine Right of Return Coalition) has called a picket of the Israeli Embassy tomorrow (Saturday 23rd February) from 11 am to 3pm. The location of the picket is at the corner of Palace Gardens and Kensington High Street, London (nearest tube High Street Kensington).

See you all on March 2nd!

Stop the War Coalition officers

Flyers for the march, and more info available from -

 http://www.stopwar.org.uk