Afghanistan and Iraq

Policy background

The Socialist Alliance recognises that there was never any legal or moral justification for the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.

The war was and is still being prosecuted by the US-NATO forces as part of the US imperialism’s long-term strategic political and economic interests in the region under the guise of the “war on terror”.

Bipartisan Australian support for that invasion and the invasion and occupation of Iraq in 2003 is a product of the US-Australia war alliance and Australia’s own interests in that region.

Australia’s military and/or training presence in both countries provides political legitimacy to the US-NATO command and works to undermine the movements for self-determination.

The US-NATO occupation, with Australian government support, has also led directly to the rise of the Islamic State terrorist group.

The Socialist Alliance supports and campaigns for

• The immediate withdrawal of all Australian combat, training and specialist troops from Afghanistan and Iraq.
• War reparations and aid for civilian-based reconstruction efforts.
• An end to Australian government support for the US war plans in the region. This includes the extension of the war into Pakistan, ramping up threats to attack Iran, including economic sanctions, supporting US war plans on Syria and attacks in other Middle Eastern countries and Africa.
• Ending the use of private contractors, including mercenaries in Afghanistan. Iraq and elsewhere.
• Support the peoples of Iraq, including Kurds and other minorities, determine their own futures;