Iraqi Community Supports CAF's positions against the occupation of Iraq.

Representing a cross section of Iraqis from workers to academics to artists and students, we, the undersigned, issue a statement in solidarity with the Canadian Arab Federation (CAF)s continuous support of the people of Iraq as they live under the devastation of the US-led occupation.

The position of CAF in opposition to the military violence waged against the city of Mosul is an example of their well informed and humanitarian position and analysis of the violence in Iraq. Since the March 2003 invasion, more than 1.2 million people have died as well as more than 5 million refugees have been displaced from their homes and have been forced to live under desperate conditions as a direct result of the US-led occupation.

It is unrealistic to assume that this war has not affected every Iraqi, in Canada, and all around the world. As in any conflict, only those who benefit from it, refrain from condemning the violence. It is therefore clear that the position taken by CAF is an accurate reflection of the sentiments of the majority of the Iraqi community in Canada and around the world, and shows that this organization is truly in solidarity with the Iraqi people.

Therefore, it is with great dismay that we read the recent statement issued by the Iraqi Canadian Society of Ontario (ICSO) attacking CAF for their principled condemnation of the recent US-backed assault on Mosul. In the past, ICSO has claimed to remain neutral on political issues. In light of the overwhelming evidence pointing to the destruction of Iraqi society as a result of the occupation, we find the recent ICSO attack on CAF's solidarity with the people of Iraq entirely unacceptable.

This is why we, the Iraqi community in Canada, feel that it is important for organizations to continue to stand against the occupation and in solidarity with the people of Iraq after decades of war, sanctions and suffering. We call on all people and organizations in Canada to follow the example of CAF in condemning the US-led occupation of our country and calling for its immediate termination.