Salam Ali, the International Secretary for the Iraqi Communist Party (ICP) recently visited Belfast and held a briefing meeting for the Communist Party of Ireland. Comrade Ali began by giving the historical and political background to the situation in Iraq and the position of the ICP. Much of this history is known to us but it was unique to hear the information first hand. The present day issues that Comrade Salam spoke about included:

• The ICP opposed the war, invasion, and occupation, exposing its imperialist objectives. 'This position was vindicated enhancing the credibility of our Party among the people in Iraq.'

• Many thousands of people have been killed.
• Iraqi people did not welcome the occupation forces against the dictatorship but they did not defend the fascist state.

• The fascist state collapsed, now there is a need to build a democratic state.

• Society regressed by 50 years

• The door was opened to Islamic fundamentalism.

The rise of sectarianism, relatively unknown in Iraq, is now a major problem causing death, destruction, and a mass exodus from Baghdad of over two million people. The result of the violent attacks is that the people are terrified and alienated. American policy is to institutionalize sectarianism in Iraq. Those who belonged to the old regime, who turned to violence, would like to strike a deal and collaborate with the US.

BUT In spite of the devastation, the ICP has embarked upon the building of 20 offices in Baghdad alone, and for the first time since 1976 the ICP congress was held in Baghdad in May 2007. The Party has expanded enormously, gained two seats in Parliament, hundreds of thousands of people voted communist. The ICP is helping to build the democratic organizations, trade unions, women's and youth organizations and they are optimistic about the positive action on the ground.

Their policy is to build the National Unity of the Iraqi people, and to politically and legally resist the occupation. Armed tactics have played into the hands of the occupation forces. Comrade Ali said that the ICP was totally opposed to the sell-out and the long term establishment of the imperialist forces, America and Britain being the protagonists. As communists they are operating in a very a difficult and volatile situation and 100's of their members have been killed in recent years. An in-depth discussion, critical analysis, and questions followed including:

• What is the role of the ICP in parliament? 'There is a need to be in government to get insight into what is happening and this is tactical not strategic.' There is a need to distinguish between ICP policy and Government policy. The daily communist paper constantly attacks Government policies that are against the interests of the people.

• The position of Kurdistan was discussed

• Analysis relating to comparisons with the situation in Ireland regarding imperialism, violence, sectarianism, and the forces of occupation.

• Discussion about international solidarity and the need to build the international communist movement.

• Related issues regarding the Middle East, Cuba, and Latin America.

• In response to the question of the withdrawal of occupation forces Comrade Ali said 'there should be a clearly defined timetable for a speedy withdrawal in conjunction with re-building the Iraqi armed forces loyal to the homeland and building of National Unity of the people' As far as the ICP is concerned, the call for immediate withdrawal by communist parties and peace movements internationally 'could be compatible not contradictory.'

• When the situation improved it was hoped that trade union and other delegations could visit Iraq, in the meantime delegations coming from Iraq might come to Ireland.

The CPI members at the meeting welcomed Comrade Salam Ali in the spirit of international solidarity. The meeting closed with the recognition that such an exchange of views and experiences can help develop joint positions and actions, 'and had been very valuable helping us (CPI) to be aware of the historical position and to understand your struggle.' The above article reflects only a selection of ideas and the discussion from the meeting.