Over the next few weeks, the Clinton administration plans to carry through its "final round of diplomacy" before launching what will be a horrendous bombing. During its military buildup in the Mideast in 1990-91, Washington paused several times to "give diplomacy a chance," painting itself up as the "peacemaker" to justify the impending slaughter.

As we go to press, a debate is opening between wings of the ruling class over the exact aims and methods in the current war drive. Just as in the months leading up to the Gulf War, working people need to be mindful of the trap of denial that the rulers are truly marching toward war. That bloody onslaught against Iraq was devastating, and the subsequent sanctions imposed on the country have exacted an enormous toll on the population - resulting in the deaths of more than 1 million people over the past seven years.

The big-business politicians are now debating using ground troops to launch an invasion and discussing how to "prepare Americans" for massive casualties. Washington broke its teeth on its last assault against Iraq, which set the stage for the current crisis. U.S. imperialism is acting from a position that reflects the growing instability and vulnerability of world capitalism. Another U.S. war against the Iraqi people will generate worldwide revulsion. Massive opposition can erupt throughout the Arab world, other parts of the Mideast and among oppressed people everywhere.

Reaching out to fellow workers, unionists on strike, defenders of abortion rights, and others to mobilize opposition against Washington's drive toward war should be the goal of all those concerned about the future of humanity. Organizing protests, speak-outs, picket lines, and other public activities now against the impending imperialist carnage is paramount. Working people, youth, and GIs are a central aspect of any campaign to oppose the U.S. war moves. As White House officials pretend to seek a "diplomatic solution," we should not relent in building protest actions against their imperialist war. Class-conscious fighters should join with others to say:

No to Washington's war!

U.S. hands off Iraq!

End the embargo!

Imperialists troops and inspectors out the Mideast!  
 
 
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