backs war-drive In any war, the consolidation of "public opinion' through positive propaganda for the "patriotic" cause and negative propaganda whipping up hostility to the 'enemy' is extremely important.
A significant aspect of the Tory war drive is the image constructed in the media, of the Iraqis in particular, but of people from the Middle East in general - and especially Palestinians.
Since the Iraqi annexation of Kuwait, the Tories have made a number of changes to immigration policy concering people from the Middle East. Kuwaiti nationals who were resident in this country on August 2 can apply for 'exceptional leave to remain' here for six months, and this is now likely to be further extended. Needless to say, there is no special policy for people from other countries in the region.
Since September 22, Iraqi nationals have been prevented from entering the UK unless they have British citizenship or citizenship of another EC member state. On January 18 the rules were further tightened, so that Iraqi nationals will not be granted extensions of existing visas, while those with limited leave to remain will have to register with the police.
Iraqi people do have the right to apply for political asylum, but given that some known op ponents of the Ba'ath regime have already been deported, their prospects of success are not good.
23 Iragis were expelled last September, and another 67 issued with notices of intention to deport on January 3. They were given a week in which to leave or to make representations against this.
Since January 15, hundreds of people from the Middle East have been rounded up by the police, with no notice, under a clause in the Immigration Act which deals Page 4
UPDATE with the question of national security'.
Most of the detainees have been held in Pentonville jail, in appalling conditions, but are soon to be transferred to Full Sutton, a security prison in rural Yorkshire. The move will make it more difficult for relatives, friends and legal advisers to stay in touch in what is obviously an extremely distressing situation for all concemed.
Some deportations have already taken place, while there are also fears that other people will be held essentially as intemees for the duration of the conlict.
People detained in this way have very few rights: the state doesn't have to justify the grounds on which it has made its judgement. There is a 'right of appeal' - but only to the Immigration Appellate authorities, a tribunal which is unlikely to meet for at least 6 weeks, whose recommendations are only advisory, and which in general has found against those appealing.
Many of the individuals involved have lived in Britain for many years, and certainly some of the Iraqis are political dissidents who left their country because of opposition to Saddam. It is particularly ironic that many Palestinians are faced with deportation - when they have no homeland to go to. Several cases have been taken to the High Court - to no avail - despite the real danger that some face in retuming to the Middle East. People are being criminalised on the basis of thier nationality.
These actions by the state dovetail perfectly with the attitude of the media. The tabloids have obviously continued and escalated their usual racist filth, with particular emphasis on antiArab stereotypes, and have also
British anti-war movement must fight deportations pushed the patriotic images. The flags, both British and American, have played a particularly prominent role, notably the hideous Sun cover on January 15.
But what has been in some ways more telling is the response of the 'serious" media. Despite the lack of "hard news' on the war itself with which to fill the end less hours of television coverage, there has been very little information about the detentions and deportations. One newsbroadcast had the result of a High Court appeal after (or perhaps as part off) the sports news.
On the other hand there is a constant dialogue about the Muslim community in Britain (which is incorrectly completely con flated with the Arab community) playing up the possible tension between support for Islam and support for British imperialism.
The fact that most Muslims condemn the imperialist war is seen as a contradiction which brings at least implicitly into question their right to be here, or at least to be treated as anything other than pariahs.
Nei for a peace settler John Harris NUJ
In the USA, the whole antiwar movement is already potrayed as "the enemy within", as traitors. So far, the concentration in Britain has been on the "difficult position of the Mus lim/Arab community, though it is obviously a short step from this position to one of attacking anyone who opposes the war.
In this context, it is hardly suprising that there have been increasing attacks on people perceived to be of Arab origin, and also against mosques. These developments have been apparent since August, but have escalated within the last few weeks.
When casualties amongst British forces in the Gulf increase, as they inevitably will, the hysteria in the media and on the streets will undoubtedly rise still further.
It is vital that the anti-war movement takes up these issues and demands that the labour movement fights the growing tide of racism which is accompanying the imperialist war drive.
Terry Conway SOCIALIST OUTLOOK no 30, February 1991
War