Our only hope is in a cultural and political revolution

The International Women’s Day celebration this year coincides with the tenth anniversary of the tragic attack of the US war-machine on millions of unsuspecting Iraqi civilians, causing one of the biggest human crises of modern times, under the pretext of liberating Iraq and the women and men of Iraq. It is noteworthy that the war was launched as a result of the biggest lie of pursuing weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. This is a lie which should be punishable with the verdict of having committed a war crime, and being held accountable for genocide of Iraqis during ten years and responsible for future mass deaths due to contamination of the environment, in addition to the people’s sufferings under political chaos which may take another decade to settle.

The invasion and occupation of Iraq defined a generation; the world’s largest anti-war protest was followed by the 3rd longest war in US history. 10 years later, American troops have officially left Iraq, but the occupation and its effects continue. On this edition, we look back at the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For Iraqis, for the US military, and for the anti-war movement; how have things changed? And what, if anything, has the world learned?

Women’s rights have come a long way since the first International Women’s Day in 1900. Talks of gender equality have come to dominate the agenda of politicians of all credos leaving many wondering if there is still a need for a feminist struggle – especially within Western democratic societies. On the 101st anniversary of International Women’s Day the Occupied Times spoke to Houzan Mohamoud – the Kurdish women’s rights and anti-war activist and co-founder of the Organisation of Women’s Freedom in Iraq – regarding the relevance of this event in Britain and the Middle East.