International

“Do not think that populism can be tackled by neglecting it. Do not think that populism can be conquered without fighting it.” That should be one of the lessons learned from the spectacular rise and dramatic fall of Dutch populist Fortuynism, said SP-senator Tiny Kox in his contribution to the debate on European populism at the Norwegian Social Forum in Oslo on Friday October 20th. Kox spoke at the invitation of the Manifesto Foundation, which brings together left youth movements in Norway.

SP Member of Parliament Krista van Velzen is demanding clarification from the government regarding the alleged complicity of Dutch corporations in the supply of poison gas ingredients to Saddam Hussein. Ms Van Velzen decided herself as "astonished" by the contents of a recent book by investigative journalist Arnold Karskens, which alleges that Frans van Anraat, currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for his role in the affair, was not the only Dutch entrepreneur to have done business with Saddam Hussein's Iraq.