The Backbone Campaign is hosting a live call-in teach-in with New Internationalism Fellow Phyllis Bennis to discuss the recent failed offensive in Basra led by the U.S. and U.S.-backed Iraqi President Nuri al Maliki. The discussion will look at how the offensive was not about “ridding the city of criminals” but part of a political struggle among Shi’a parties in Iraq, with the U.S. military continuing to back the unpopular Maliki. It will include the consequences of the failed offensive and the resulting strengthening of anti-occupation cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and his Mahdi Army, and the limits it shows of the so-called “surge” strategy of the U.S. occupation.

The discussion will also focus on opportunities these new developments may provide for the anti-war/anti-occupation movement in the United States.

For information about how to call in or listen to the teach-in:
http://backbonecampaign.org/