No place for violence

THE anti-war campaign in Spain is losing supporters because of the mindless violence and acts of vandalism and in some cases looting of a few inviduals. In Barcelona on Wednesday a major department store, Spanish owned, was stormed by so-called peace protestors and there was looting. In other major Spanish cities police have clashed with demonstrators who have rather tarnished their call for peace and non-violence as they fight battles with police. Meanwhile, a political storm is brewing over attacks on offices and officials from the ruling Partido Popular, whose pro-war stance has won them few friends in Spain. The PP has called on opposition parties to condemn these attacks and have said that other parties could have done more to stop the mindless violence. Police suspect that anarchists have joined the anti-war movement and are causing most of the trouble. The Pro-peace movement must take action and ensure that their good and noble cause is not spoilt by such individuals who just want to cause disruption and anarchy. These people have no place within the movement and certain members of the community will be turned away from the peace movement if this violence is allowed to flourish. The scenes in Spain over the last week have been most disturbing and add another dimension to the Iraqi war. Let the good people of Spain show their protest at the war but peaceful protest is what is needed. There is enough fighting and violence in Iraq at the moment without it having to spread on to the streets of Spain. Don't let them ruin a good and honest cause.