Iraqi Workers Return to DC

Iraqi labor leader Hashmeya Muhsin Hussein returns to DC with Faleh Abood Umara -- General Secretary Southern Oil Company Union, Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions -- for a farewell public discussion Tuesday at 7P. This is Abood Umara's first visit to DC as part of US Labor Against the War’s (USLAW) "Voices of Iraqi Workers Solidarity Tour." Abood Umara was scheduled to take part in earlier DC events -- as part of the DC leg of the tour -- but was not allowed to board his original flight because of problems with his visa. Muhsin Hussein and Abood Umara will reflect on their experiences on the month-long tour and discuss current attempts to control Iraq's oil, women's issues under the occupation, and the role of unions in creating a non-sectarian, progressive Iraq. "This is going to be quite an event," says Denice Lombard, of USLAW. "Abood Umara is finally in DC and this is the final event of the tour," Lombard says. Ron Pinchback of WPFW 89.3 FM will MC the event and vocalist/labor activist Pam Parker will perform. Hashmeya Muhsin Hussein at June rally against privatization of Iraqi oil, photo by Andy Richards