Citation of Shame for New Zealand

The announcement that President Bush has presented a citation to the New Zealand Special Air Service (SAS) unit operating in Afghanistan is a national embarrassment.

It is a shameful acknowledgement of New Zealand’s sycophantic support for the American invasion and occupation of Afghanistan.

The invasion of Afghanistan was illegal and has led to mass suffering for the Afghanistan population. Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed and an American puppet has been installed as President.

There is little doubt that the citation has been awarded to meet US political objectives rather than any military reasons. America is largely isolated in the world over its foreign policy plans and is trying to highlight each country which is providing troops to support their invasion. It is to New Zealand’s shame that we are providing part of this political military figleaf for American aggression.

Afghanistan today is a replay of many similar situation such as in Iran in 1953 when the CIA organised the overthrow of the democratically elected government of President Mossadegh and replaced it with their own puppet. The difference here is that New Zealand is working with the American forces to control the country for American strategic interests.

This is a citation of shame.

Mike Treen – (09) 3616989 or 0212547440 John Minto – (09) 8463173 (Hm) or (09) 2745764 (Wk) Geraldene Peters - (09) 3765994

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Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

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