The Moose praises the work of a group of Brits. "The founding supporters of this statement took different views on the military intervention in Iraq, both for and against. We recognize that it was possible reasonably to disagree about the justification for the intervention, the manner in which it was carried through, the planning (or lack of it) for the aftermath, and the prospects for the successful implementation of democratic change. We are, however, united in our view about the reactionary, semi-fascist and murderous character of the Baathist regime in Iraq, and we recognize its overthrow as a liberation of the Iraqi people. We are also united in the view that, since the day on which this occurred, the proper concern of genuine liberals and members of the Left should have been the battle to put in place in Iraq a democratic political order and to rebuild the country's infrastructure, to create after decades of the most brutal oppression a life for Iraqis which those living in democratic countries take for granted — rather than picking through the rubble of the arguments over intervention.
One of the positive developments of the post 9/11 world is the banding together of progressives who view Jihadist terror as a threat to the ideals of liberal democracy. Prime Minister Blair has set the example of a leader who understands that there is no greater challenge to fundamental human freedom than the fascist movement that has hijacked a faith.
In the spirit of his leadership, a new progressive movement has been launched in Great Britain that seeks to promote global human rights and a new internationalism. The document of this new alliance is called the Euston Manifesto and it offers an eloquent rejoinder to those on the left who have lost sight of the primary enemy of progressivism in the world.
Of particular note is that the signatories of this Manifesto are supporters and opponents of the intervention in Iraq. However, they are united in the belief that the war achieved an important humanitarian objective in removing a cruel tyranny. Moreover, they recognize that it would be a betrayal of progressive principles to abandon Iraqis to the tender mercies of the Jihadists and Baathists.
They write,
The Moose has heard much from our own left about their outrage over Iraq. However, they are largely mute, with a few notable exceptions, when it comes to expressing rage over the homicidal and nihilistic violence of the Jihadists and Baathists. The American left has a Blair-deficit with few leaders willing to take on the anti-war types who refuse to denounce our Jihadist enemies with the same ferocity and intensity that they oppose their domestic political enemies.
Senator Kerry, you are absolutely correct - wartime dissent can be patriotic. But, surely it is also patriotic to point out the sins of our enemy as well as those of our own government. Shouldn't the heartless and evil brutality of Zarqawi get a mention in a speech about Iraq?
And so, it is heartening to witness British progressives raise their voices on the central challenge of our time. Bully! -- | 
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