Doorstepping politicians often find local people want to talk about local issues – bin collections, broken pavements, and anti social behaviour. But more distant issues (like volcanic dust) can also shape our daily lives – and deaths. Full marks to Stop the War for inviting local election candidates to answer questions on Afghanistan and to Annandale Street Mosque for hosting the event on Saturday 24 April at 6.30 pm Annandale Street Mosque.
We heard about the event through an email from Nahid Aslam, a member of Leith Open Space Group. The email says: “All the Edinburgh North and Leith election candidates will be present – but since this will be the only hustings meeting specifically on Afghanistan we hope people will attend from across the city. The election candidates will be asked to make their position on the war in Afghanistan clear. Come along and put your questions on Afghanistan, war and peace, human rights and the economic cost of war.”
Since the next leaders debate on Thursday focuses on foreign policy differences between the three main political parties this is a good week to be looking at local responses to global issues.
See also Penny Stone’s eye-witness account of life in the occupied Palestinian territories on Sunday 25th April – Penny will be talking about her time in Jayyous a small village in occupied Palestinian territores where she lived as a voluntary Ecumenical Accompanier.
Sunday 25th April 7.00 pm in Hendersons @ St. Johns Princes Street, Edinburgh (the old Cornerstone Cafe).