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Bombings in London, Misery in Africa:
Progressive Alternatives for a World in Crisis

July 8, 2005

MADRE unequivocally condemns the bombings on the people of London that occurred on July 7, 2005. Attacks on civilians are never acceptable, no matter what the context. They are atrocious and cowardly, and advance absolutely no cause whatsoever. MADRE, an international women�s human rights organization, rejects all violence against civilians, whether committed by clandestine groups or by uniformed soldiers.

Most official reactions to the London bombing have been divided between those who—like George Bush and Tony Blair—promised revenge and more bloodshed in response, and those who urged leaders of the world's richest countries not to allow the bombings to derail their agenda at the G8 summit, which focused on addressing poverty in Africa. But neither approach brings us closer to genuine peace and security. So far, Bush's "war on terror" has been a war of terror for Iraqis and US-held detainees, their families, and communities. US-UK military violence has only further entrenched the crisis that produces attacks like the one in London. As for the G8's intent to "make poverty history," a look at actual G8 policies reveals an economic program that has worsened poverty, inequality, political instability, and social dislocation in poor countries worldwide. These are the very conditions that bolster support for terrorism by leaving people desperate, destitute, and more likely to put stock in extremist movements that promise to meet their basic needs and restore their dignity.

As those who effectively control the global economy (and four of the five permanent seats on the UN Security Council), the G8 countries actually could address some of the root causes of political extremism: not by promoting their own "national security," which has proven to be a hollow concept, but by advancing human security through economic and social policies that guarantee human rights. We invite you to read MADRE's "What the G8 Said/What Women Demand" to learn more about the real-life impact of the G8's benevolent-sounding policies and about alternatives put forward by MADRE and our sister organizations in the global women's movement.