The IAWM Dail blockade last night was the occasion for the first direct confrontation between protestors and Gardai in the capital since the start of the second Gulf War. The Public Order Unit moved in in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Using non violent resistance, some protestors blockaded the front entrance to Dail Eireann in protest at our government's involvement in the war on Iraq. Ugly scenes at the demo included the hospitalisation of two protestors. The protest finished when the Public Order Unit retreated, after negotiations with IAWM leaders and left-wing TDs. Fr Iggy Donovan, a long-standing peace activist, condemned the protestors' behaviour on RTE Radio 1, while the Minister for Justice defended the police tactics. Images of Socialist TD Joe Higgins being manhandled by Gardaí were transmitted on RTE.

Meanwhile former Army Commander Edward Horgan today started his high court appeal against the government's continued policy of allowing the US military to use Irish facilities. The challenge argues that this policy is a breach of the Irish constitution, and is being followed closely by mainstream media.

Video from the Protest 1, 2, 3 / Audio 1 / Pictures 1, 2

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Whilst doing their bit for the global antiwar movement, the Irish West Papua campaigns are stepping up a gear for justice in forgotten West Papua. West Papua, rich in resources like Iraq, has been the victim of colonial greed for decades. First occupied by the Dutch, it was then invaded by the Indonesians in 60s as the UN watched on. Western consumerism's material demand has encouraged global mining giants such as BP and Freeport McMoran to exploit the country's resources, causing widespread human rights and environmental abuses. The U.S has also renewed funding to the Indonesian military despite the horrors of East Timor.

A recent Dail debate saw the Greens spokesperson for foreign affairs, John Gormley challenge the government's position on the discredited UN Act of Free Choice, which legitimised Indonesia's invasion. Up to 300,000 (approx 20%) have since died. The Minister, Mr Cowan claimed that there is no significant international support for reviewing the act.

However Irish activists intend to step up their pressure on the government and will continue to expose the human rights, corporate, environmental and cultural abuses in West Papua. This weekend will see Papuan tribesman Sem Karoba lead the One Big Tribe festival in Maynooth which seeks to raise awareness and encourage action for Papuan and global justice.

Also in attendance will be The Hothouse Flowers, Sampari Papuan dancers and speakers from the Catholic Worker movement and other activist groups.

One Big Tribe festival
West Papua Support Group
West Papua Action
Friends of People Close to Nature
New Internationalist - West Papua edition

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With anti-war activists deploying a wide range of tactics ( 1 ) ( 2 ), talk of March 17th as the latest deadline for Iraqi disarmament has seen calls for a St. Patrick's Day protest ( 2 ).

Ranging from suggestions of Leprechauns for Peace and cursing the shamrock, to wearing black on Patrick's Day, the idea has some official sanction in Ireland after Dublin City Council voted to fly white flags for peace along the Liffey over the Festival weekend.

In an attempt to influence American public opinion in advance of the March 17th deadline, a diverse group of Irish peace activists has issued a call for people around the world to wear or display white during St. Patrick's Day activities as a symbol of peace. The St. Patrick's Day Peace Group is also calling for the Irish peace process to be be used as a model for conflict resolution in the Iraqi crisis.

Celebrated in the United States since 1737, St. Patrick's Day has a profile extending well beyond the 40 million politically powerful Irish Americans and has long been used for political purposes.

Lá 'le Pádraig, lá i leith síochán

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Saturday was an eventful day at Shannon Airport with two protests and a strong Garda presence, protecting a newly-erected razor fence. Despite scaremongering, the Grassroots protest was peaceful, their attempt to take down the fence was unsuccessful, but participants promised to return ( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 Video) ( 4 Audio) ( 5) ( 6) ( 7). There were ten arrests ( 2 Video) however accompanied by the usual over enthusiasm (Video).

The diverse IAWM protest passed off , without incident ( 2 ). Those arrested have since been released on bail, due to return on Friday March 7th. There were unconfirmed reports of a breach of runway security a few hours after the protests ended.

Post match analysis has led to some discussion and the usual arguments over the rights and wrongs of both protests. While both Shannon demonstrations were underway people also gathered in Dublin and in Donegal to voice their opposition to the war.

Video: ( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 )

Arrestees: ( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 )

Arguments: ( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) ( 7 ) ( 8 ) ( 9 ) ( 10 ) ( 11 )

Donegal

Audio

Photos ( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 )

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