NYC demands no war on Iran and Iraq
New York, NY – Over 1000 people gathered in New York City on January 4 in Times Square to demand no more U.S. troops to the Middle East, U.S. out of Iraq, and no war or sanctions on Iran. The action was called after a U.S. drone strike assassinated Iranian Quds Force general Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad, as well as the Pentagon stating they will send 3500 more troops to the Middle East.
The call was put out by ANSWER Coalition, with speakers from various organizations, including Freedom Road Socialist Organization, International Action Center, Struggle La – Lucha, International League of Peoples Struggle, BAYAN, and others.
The speeches addressed the U.S. role in the Middle East, and how Iran has been able to successfully push back against U.S. intervention in the country, ever since the Iranian Revolution in 1979. The speakers also commemorated the recent protests in Iraq, including the siege of the U.S. Embassy in Bagdad.
Despite the fears of a broader war, everyone in attendance was inspired to continue fighting back against U.S. wars for profits and oil, especially at a time where people all over the world are rising up against imperialism and neoliberalism.
“We are in a time of rebellion.” said Jessica Schwartz from Freedom Road Socialist Organization. “It is not the time for cynicism and nihilism. We must maintain our drive and focus to overthrow the U.S. imperialists and their cronies so that the people can rise up and build a world for ourselves!”
After the rally, the crowd marched to Herald Square, a historic location for anti-war protests, where the crowd joined together in a few more chants before ending the event.