War Profiteers News

Welcome to our issue number 20 of War Profiteers' News. Seem like not that long ago when we started producing this newsletter and we already are in number 20, hope there are many more to come. In this issue the main article is on the latest demonstrations against DSEi's arms fair. It also features Mahindra as our War Profiteer of the Month, this in our continued effort to bring attention about the new developments of the arms trade in India, in preparation for our forthcoming International Conference: Nonviolent Livelihood Struggle and Global Militarism: Links and Strategies.

In September every other year London's antimilitarist scene is dominated by DSEi - the Defence Defence Systems & Equipment International, the largest arms fair in Europe. One problem in organising such regular events is that it is virtually impossible to keep the numbers growing every time, and this year numbers were again down.

Rafael is the Israeli authority for development of weapons and military technology. Rafael is a former sub-division of the Israeli Defence ministry and is considered a governmental firm.

In August 9, the Indian cabinet approved the supply of Spyder anti-aircraft systems by Rafael worth $1 billion. The Indian press reports that Rafael Armament Development Authority has agreed a huge deal with the Indian Army to supply advanced anti-aircraft systems with a range of up to 45 kilometers. The deal, worth $1 billion,
was reportedly approved by the Indian cabinet yesterday.

(see also: http://www.whoprofits.org/Newsletter.php?nlid=46)

By Jonathan Luna

Near the town of La Jagua, overlooking the Magdalena River, the landscape is dotted with concrete markers declaring the land, river, and everything else a “public utility” that Colombia has given to the energy company Emgesa as part of the Quimbo Hydroelectric Project. A construction permit was granted in May, with the dam scheduled for full operation by 2014.

A former Blackwater employee and an ex-US Marine who has worked as a security operative for the company have made a series of explosive allegations in sworn statements filed on August 3 in federal court in Virginia, USA. The two men claim that the company's owner, Erik Prince, may have murdered or facilitated the murder of individuals who were cooperating with federal authorities investigating the company.

The Honduras' coup has brought attention to the link between the coup and the Israel military. Social movements continue to mobilise in Honduras against the coup, but also international pressure is of huge importance. Revealing the links with Israel gives some background information on the latest intervention against human rights by military in Latin America.

Rafael Uzcátegui

During this past April, the 2008 Report on the global transfer of weapons was presented by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), an independent organization founded in 1966 to investigate the problems of peace and global conflicts, placing emphasis on limiting arms build-up and promoting disarmament. SIPRI has become a resource for the global pacifist movement.

The Mahindra Group is a large industrial conglomerate in India, with operations in the automotive, farm equipment, financial services, trade and logistics, automotive components, after-market, IT and infrastructure sectors. It is considered to be one of the most reputable Indian industrial houses, with the market leadership in Utility Vehicles as well as Tractors in India. The Mahindra Group has a global presence with operations on every continent except Antarctica. Their headquarters are located at Mahindra Towers in Mumbai.

History

The popular initiative is an instrument of the direct democracy in Switzerland. If 100,000 people with voting right sign a political request, the authorities are obliged to effect a referendum, the result of which is binding for the government.

International Week of Protest to Stop the Militarization of Space - October 3–10, 2009
Local Events (List now in formation)

* Albuquerque, New Mexico (Oct 3) Protest at Kirtland Air Force Base (Truman Gate), 11:00 am stopthewarmachine@comcast.net