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Edinburgh University Stop the War Coalition
From StudentWiki
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Introduction:
The Edinburgh University Stop the War Society was relaunched last year, brought about by and fermenting a surge in student based activity with regard to the 'war on terror'. With regard to the National Stop the War coalition, while the student group is affiliated with the organisation, it is by no means a subsidiary of it. Events and actions undertaken by the society are determined autonomously and with regard to the views of individuals within the society itself.
Events so Far:
In the past year the ESTWC hosted a Student conference on ....., inviting Craig Murray, the former UN Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Gavin Strang MP and various other speakers to discuss the anti-war movement over a wide geographical and political spectrum. Particular assets were speaker from School Students Against the War and the Glasgow Stop the War group, as examples of grassroots student campaigns. Delegates were also sent to the Stop the War demonstration in Manchester, and during Fresher's week hosted a meeting (unfortunately blighted by absent speakers) which attracted approximately 50 students.
In the run up to the Big Blockade of the Faslane Naval Base, ESTWC was involved in publicity for the event, and making resources available for planning, as well as sending members to teh demonstration itself.
Statement of Intent:
The purpose of the Edinburgh University Stop the War Society has been issued as such:
The Edinburgh Student Stop the War society exists to facilitate the dismantling of a foreign policy dedicated to the acquisition of limited means for limited men at the cost of the entire planet. We exist to, as simply one part of a vast history, stand in the way of a deceitful, jingoistic, racist and unjust power structure’s project of acquisition. We exist to not let history repeat.
Regarding the oncoming semester the group will focus on the protracted troop with-drawl from Iraq, the ongoing war in Afghanistan and the war that’s being considered against Iran. Broader themes ,which will be dealt with insofar as there is will to do so, include civil liberties, islamaphobia on campus and the demiliterisation of the university.
Ideologically, the Stop the War society holds to no particular line. Given the ideological spray-painting that dominates the left at times, we feel this is a point worth making. We would be the first to tear up any creed we were asked to sign up to, and are united simply by a concern for the world in it’s current state and the belief that it can be better.
Tactically, the society wishes to partake in a broad spectrum of non-violent direct action, including everything from petitions to blockades. We can assure you, however, members are only required to partake in action in so far as they feel comfortable, and being a member carries no obligation with regard to protesting.
Every new individual is an individual’s worth of experience, thoughts and ideas, and we would be privileged to receive your attendance.
Personnel:
James Callinson - President Joseph Ritchie - Secretary
Contact:
edinburghuni_stop_the_war@hotmail.com
or alternatively, Joseph Ritchie can generally be reached at 07766 836173
Resources:
Section to be completed.
The Future?
The current plans for the Stop the War society this semester include film showings, as yet to be finalised, and a potential meeting (inviting speakers) to discuss the issues surrounding the ongoing war in Afghanistan. There is also some talk of a motion at the Student AGM with regard to demiliterisation. As ever, do as thou wilt....
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