Aug 2, 2003

Families of the 3,000 people who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack welcomed release July 24 of a House-Senate intelligence report that outlined specific warnings to the FBI and CIA of an imminent attack which they did nothing to prevent.

Less than two weeks after Rabih Haddad’s wife vowed to clear the name of her deported husband, she and three of her children have themselves been deported. Salma Al-Rushaid and her children, ages 5 through 13, were deported July 28 to her native Kuwait for alleged visa violations. The family hopes to join Haddad in Lebanon soon. The couple’s fourth child, a U.S. citizen, will remain here.

“End the occupation, Investigate the lies, Bring the troops home now!” are some of the key slogans under which peace groups are organizing for local actions for peace to mark the anniversary of the dropping of the first atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Aug. 6-10.

News analysis

The attempted recall of California Democratic Gov. Gray Davis has all the markings of another Republican Florida-style ballot-box coup. The situation is very fluid and volatile, but the underlying class and social forces are shaping up for a mega-battle.

DETROIT – Union leaders, rank-and-file members and retirees have pledged to hold the line on the health care issue during this summer’s contract talks with the Big Three auto companies and related parts suppliers. A recently released UAW report, titled “Bargaining for America,” highlights the challenges confronting the auto union’s bargaining teams.

PITTSBURGH – Celebrating political achievements, business success, and cultural excellence, 3,000 National Urban League (NUL) convention delegates gathered here July 26-30.

PHILADELPHIA – Chanting protesters with colorful signs lined the streets across from the U.S. Treasury Department offices as a motorcade brought in George W. Bush for a photo-op to bring attention to his “tax credit checks,” supposedly ready to be mailed. But 352,000 Pennsylvania families will be receiving no check at all.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The basement of St. Rose Church was jam-packed, and the crowd spilled out into the streets for Connecticut’s statewide Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride kick-off rally July 23.

News analysis

George Bush once again accused Iran of continuing to “harbor and assist terrorists,” July 21, warning of the consequences. Israel, as well, on July 21, accused Iran of “trying everything” to get nuclear weapons, and that if it succeeded, it would threaten a far wider theatre than just the Middle East.

Greece: Lawyers accuse British before ICC / Burma: Unocal sued over forced labor / Argentina: Military officers to stand trial / Vietnam: Haiphong development plan unveiled / S. Africa: Miners win wage hike