George Galloway is a Member of Parliament in Great Britain. He is as known for his peace activism as for his politics --- in fact, the two are deeply connected.
George Galloway is one of the most controversial figures in contemporary politics.
He was born on August 16, 1954 in Dundee Scotland. Interested in politics from an early age, he joined the Labour Party when he was fifteen, and quickly rose up the ranks to become the secretary organizer of the Dundee Labour Party at the age of 21.
Galloway also became a supporter of the Palestinian cause as a younger person. He met a Palestinian activist in Dundee in 1974, which inspired his beliefs in this area.
His political career continued to flourish, as he won the riding of Glasgow Hillhead from Jenkins in 1987. However, Galloway's affiliation with the Labour Party was not to remain smooth. His glib remarks about his sexual conquests made him tabloid fodder. He also developed the nickname of "Gorgeous George," because of his appeal to women, with his ruggedly handsome looks.
Eventually, Galloway was thrown out of the Labour Party because of his staunch opposition to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, in which Great Britain supported the United States by sending in troops. He formed a new political party simply called Respect. It is left-wing in orientation with a strong anti-war stance. On May 5, 2005, Galloway became Member of Parliament for Bethnal Green and Bow.
A strong orator, Galloway hosts his own call-in radio show and appears at numerous speaking engagements. His extremely vocal support of the Palestinian movement has earned him a reputation amongst some for being an anti-Semite, a label which he (as well as many of his admirers) quickly disavow. He will often explain that there is a difference between being anti-Jewish and anti-Zionist, especially since not all Jews are Zionists, and not all Zionists are Jews. He also has expressed that he views the Holocaust as the greatest human tragedy in history, and refutes any callers to his show who make anti-Semitic remarks.
Galloway continues to speak of the war against Iraq as illegal, immoral, and unjust. He is a constant figure at peace rallies, and is the author of several books, most notably a biography of Cuban leader Fidel Castro. As well, he speaks out against the Islamophobia which has infiltrated society since 9/11, supporting those of Arabic background and who practise the Muslim faith.
Because of his oratory skills, his willingness to speak out about controversial issues, and his courage in the face of opposition, Galloway is a hero in the anti-war movement.
