[New-imc] An IMC BAGHDAD? update!

[i-mad at riseup.net]

Hi all,

It is getting cold in Baghdad and I miss the yummy hot lentil soup in
Beirut! But the guys are treating me royally!

Spike, thanks for keeping IMC Bristol posted with my emails, please
forwadr this as well. I am sending this to the New-IMC list as well.

I am sorry I have been a bit over excited thus causing it to be a bit
flawless when it came to explaining what is happening here.  I will try to
be as precise and contained as possible.

 Today we had our first general meeting with the entire group at Al
Muajaha (and at their new office 
 Yiiippiiii)

 But first I believe I was misunderstood on the point concerning the left,

 Though I would have loved if the group is that of hardcore leftist
activists (since I am one) I never pushed that on them nor would have
ever thought of doing so, adding to the fact that there is nothing in the
IMC mission statement saying that the group has to be leftist!

 I fully support whatever the group decides to do.. and here is a briefing
on what happened today.

 Around ten people attended aside from myself!

 They started the meeting by introducing me (HI ALL J ) then I gave an
insight on what are we guys doing in Beirut (al yasari, IMC, the anti-war
anti-capitalist movement).. just the usual introduction.

 Then gave a briefing on how IMC started in Seattle and what was the
objectives of it noting that it is not the only alternative media outlet
available in the world (in an attempt to make it clear to them that they
can be an alternative media outlet still if they decide not to join IMCN)

 Questions and concerned poured after I finished and I tried to leave the
least space possible for misunderstanding of what IMC is and what are the
roles of media activists (noting that it is my own insight and not
necessarily true and suitable for everyone) One of the guys was concerned
about Al Muajaha's website and if they would loose it if they decide not
to be part of IMC and I made it clear that it is up for IMC Bristol to
decide and not for me.

 Fine so far
 after I finished and made sure no inquires are left, I left
them to discuss among themselves and hung out a bit on the balcony –
giving them their space.

 Around thirty minutes passed before I was called back in where they had
some more questions to ask.

 1- Being an IMC will force us to organize demonstrations and do political
activities? I said no!!! You do not even have to cover it.. it is up to
activists to publish their own news.. you are just providing the space
and the concept. Yet it is great if you can report it the way you do to
Al Mujaha.

2- Being an IMC will deny us the funds we are to get from an Italian NGO
(amounting to $ 10,000) to support Al Muajaha? I said I do not know, this
is for the list to determine, and the conditions of the donation.

3-Being an IMC will mean that we have to publish stuff against our culture
and traditions (I believe this question came from the article they saw in
the Beirut newsletter THE LEFTIST tackling homosexuality)? I said no, but
this does not mean that you are to block anyone from voicing any
"untraditional" ways of thinking.

4-Being an IMC means that we can not kick out anyone from the group and
have to follow methods of decision making that are in conformity with
consensus? I said yes.

After this Hamsa voiced out to the agreement of the group, that they want
to keep Al Mujaha independent from IMC and after discussing the way it
became (copying news from agencies) they decided to

- Work more on the quality of the news and bring the real Al Mujaha back.

- Still include the variety news in order to be able to sell keeping in
mind the quality of the news and its sources.

- Take the donation if it comes.

- Keep the website if it is o.k. with IMC Bristol (noting that only Majid
was in charge of it so far and have technical expertise to work on it).

- Majid (you are on the list and can explain your stance) decided to still
be in Al Muajah and conform with what was mentioned above (though I
noticed he was a bit distressed as he was pushing hard for an IMC
membership) and yet decided to keep up the work to start an IMC Baghdad

so Majed
 until you find your group.. welcome on board!

I hope this settles the dispute and gives a clear idea on what is
happening here.

Noting few stuff concerning myself,

-      I support the autonomous decision taken by Al Mujaha group (having
passed through the same in Beirut with Al Yasari and IMC Beirut.) - though
I wanted them bad to be part of the IMCN

-   I am still excited about starting an IMC in Baghdad and I think there
is a possibility for it. I will keep hoping, aiming, and working for it.
(So I still need your moral support :))

-   What I wrote concerning the variety page - (though the existence of
such a page was not the core, it was rather the existence of such a page
and the lack of the excellent articles they did in the first issues) - and
them not being activists was a personal disappointment not a controlling
factor. I understand the financial stresses, but out case in Beirut was
not better (and I am not trying to patronize nor do I accept to be
patronized when it comes to suffering and injustice; and who was under
more oppression). We had our shit to deal with in Beirut. I understand the
complications of living under Saddam's regime for so long, and living in a
forced a-political society. Saddam was an atrocity in direct forms, our
governments are the same, and they cause serious damage but in hidden
undercover forms though to different and less life threatening degrees. We
in Beirut managed a publication with no donated equipment, no experience
or training whatsoever except our own skill sharing process and self
development and definitely with no $ 7,000 in donations). I am saying that
to note that independent Medias are a possibility under any regime and
under any circumstances – yet I acknowledge personal choices and personal
ways of struggle and respect that freedom.

-  Ramzi, no one asked them to be Ruckus Baghdad, or be the upcoming red
army or black block
 for me I just wanted to see some kind of activism
which can also include involvement in the social struggle. This is clear
and possible as some active groups in Baghdad right are trudging to form
their own line of struggle. And I have learned of many initiatives that
are crawling up the ladder and who knows.. maybe soon we will see some
non-violent Iraqi activists blockading one of Bremer's press
conferences!!! Cross your fingers!

-    I see your excitement concerning this (and it was part of my motives
to come here and I thank you for that) but still no one is forcing the
group into anything
 no one is trying to get the group or accuse the group
of anything. It was my own personal remarks that I made clear that it was
personal concerns having nothing to do with the course of their or my work
here.

Al Mujaha folks (who are still lovingly taking care of me), I join Ramzi's
pride in your work
 and in spite your decision which I support, I am still
waiting to see the same impressive pieces of work that made me pack my
stuff and come to Baghdad! You rock!

Majid, welcome on board of IMCN and  I am looking forward to welcome IMC
Baghdad within the community after you find your group that approves to
the IMCN membership criteria and principles of unity – seeing the work you
have done on Al Muajaha's first issues I am sure you will soon feature a
local IMC for us all out there!

I still believe and work for the principles of group consensus and self
determination
  and still need your lovely words and support messages.. so
keep it flowing.

Cheers,

 In solidarity

I-Mad!


-- 
No Border No Nation No Occupation!
I-Mad!