Second wave of human shields sets off for Iraq

Ananova ^ | February 17, 2003

[HAL9000]

Several British human shield protesters have joined a second wave of activists preparing to risk their lives to avert a possible war against Iraq.

About 30 campaigners gathered at Heathrow airport before flying to Amman in Jordan, where they will join dozens of other protesters travelling to Baghdad.

The activists, who have all paid for their own flights as part of the Human Shields: Action Iraq movement, intend to deploy to humanitarian sites in the event of military action.

They are hoping their presence will act as a deterrent to the US and British governments, and convince them not to launch a bombing campaign.

One of those taking part, 72-year-old Karl Dallas from Bradford, said the drive towards war had to be stopped. He said: "Marching is great, but we have to take it that step further. I am prepared to risk my life to protect civilians.

"When Bush and Blair realise that they will be bombing their own people, it may give them some common sense for a change. I know it is going to be dangerous, but I hope it will achieve something."

Mr Dallas said he feared a war against Iraq could trigger a wider conflict in the Middle East. He urged the British and US governments to let the Iraqi people deal with Saddam Hussein themselves.

He vowed to stay in Iraq for as long as it takes, but said his family, while supportive, are concerned about the risks.

Mr Dallas said: "When I told my daughter, her exact words were 'I wish you wouldn't but I understand why you are doing it'. She is worried but I am going to come back."

John Richardson, 56, a social worker from Batleym West Yorkshire, decided to volunteer to be a human shield protester after reading about the movement on the internet.

[talleyman]

Attention: Hollywood - the bus is leaving - get on board now!

[Paul Atreides]

Bombs away!

[45Auto]

"30 campaigners....and dozens
of other protesters..." does not constitute a WAVE.

[vikingchick]

See ya
Wouldn't wanna be ya!

[martin_fierro]

To me, a group of 30,000 constitutes a "wave."

A group of 30 is "a half-assed shrug".

[45Auto]

Mr Dallas said: "When I told my daughter, her exact words were 'I wish you wouldn't but I understand why you are doing it'. She is worried that I might be coming back and spoil her tidy inheritance. "

[KriegerGeist]

I'm sure that the poor oppressed Iraqi people (who are quietly hoping that we will liberate them from Saddam) appreciate these "shields" a whole bunch.

It's too bad that the people who are hoping for liberation could not direct these "shields" where to stand (over buried WMD bunkers) when the shooting starts...Let the importated "shields" be the "collateral damage" instead of the Iraqi civilians.

[anniegetyourgun]

Mr Dallas said he feared a war against Iraq could trigger a wider conflict in the Middle East. He urged the British and US governments to let the Iraqi people deal with Saddam Hussein themselves.

Gollygeewhiz....why didn't anyone think of that before now?

[Southern_Republican]

Does the human sheild member get the 72 virgins also?

[b-cubed]

Please keep this VERY QUIET. Some of the Shields are actually working undercover for the American Government. It would be very bad for them if the Iraqi's found out. So PLEASE, PLEASE KEEP IT QUIET!!!!

[Paul Atreides]

Yes, but I imagine that the thirty really pack a wallop on the olfactory senses.

[APBaer]

Childrens' Crusade
Been there, done that!

[NEWwoman]

More candidates for the Darwin Awards?

[Paul Atreides]

I heard that they also have photos of Saddam and his male lovers.

[Rocko]

"Get on the Bus," as Spike Lee would say. ;')

[jos65]

"Dumb & dumber"

[b-cubed]

shhhhh!

[leadpencil1]

Here is the kind of "shield" I think they are talking about.

[Luna]

That's such a silly statement. About as silly as this one:

He urged the British and US governments to let the Iraqi German people Jews deal with Saddam Hussein Adolf Hitler themselves.