Minneapolis, MN – Two hundred people gathered here Nov. 8 to protest the U.S. attack on the Iraqi resistance in Fallujah. Chanting, “The people of Fallujah are under attack! What do we do? Stand up, fight back!” the enthusiastic crowd cheered as cars honking in support drove by. Demonstrations are taking place all over the word in response to these latest moves by the U.S. military.

The Minneapolis protest was organized by the Anti-War Committee as an emergency response to the attacks. Activists were very happy with the turnout, considering the protest was called with six hours notice. When asked why the turnout was so high, Jess Sundin, one of the organizers of the Anti-War Committee stated, “Many people did not feel like their voices were heard last week. The election was a referendum on the war on Iraq and the war on terror. Since our voices were not heard on Nov. 2, we will make them heard through protests.”

More than 600 people were killed in the last assault by U.S. forces on Fallujah. While Bush and Allawi claim that 80% of the civilian population has left Fallujah, upwards of 30,000 men, women and children remain trapped in their homes without food, running water or electricity. According to protest organizers, “This new attack will undoubtedly result in the deaths of hundreds, if not thousands, of innocent people.”

Other speakers talked about the need for there to be a continual voice of opposition to the war in Iraq as well as a demand to bring the troops, most of whom are poor and people of color, home. Members of Women Against Military Madness, Twin Cities Peace Campaign/Focus on Iraq, Students for Justice in Palestine, Iraq Peace Action Coalition, AFSCME Local 3800 and the Palestine Solidarity Coalition were among the groups protesting the Fallujah raid.

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