AUDIOSLAVE's TOM MORELLO: BUSH Should Be Tried For War Crimes If He Attacks Iraq

Former RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE and current AUDIOSLAVE guitarist Tom Morello says President Bush should be tried for war crimes if he launches a new attack on Iraq.

In a scathing broadside, Morello added that Bush was destroying America, allowing the economy to "go down the toilet" for the sake of his war on terrorism.

"The war on Iraq never stopped," Morello told NME.com. "The US have been bombing and maintaining no fly zones for the last ten years. Look at the UN figures — at least one million dead because of bombing and sanctions, half a million of them children.

"If he goes into Iraq now, it'll be a war crime and Bush should be tried in an international court as a war criminal. This renewed sabre rattling is both dishonest and disingenuous. The principal causes of terrorism are US economic and military domination, or perceived domination, in the Middle East. I believe the true 'Axis Of Evil' is pandemic poverty and an arms race that is continued at great profit for a few. Does he seriously believe bombing Iraq is going to counter terrorism?

"What better way to win an election than to focus on this war on terror. The economy in America is going down the toilet and he is ignoring it completely." Morello added that he believed opposition had to rise from the streets through people power. He also challenged high profile stars such as Bono who have gone to the White House to plead for aid for developing countries, ravaged by war and disease and burdened with massive debt.

"To me change doesn't come by engaging the White House, it comes from the street. I don't think you can go with your cup up to the back door of the White House and say 'Please sir, can I have some peace and justice?' That just doesn't work."