Minneapolis, MN – Twin Cities area peace and anti-war groups held a protest at the office of Senator Amy Klobuchar, May 30, to respond to President Obama’s announcement that the U.S. plans to leave nearly 10,000 troops in Afghanistan. Organized under the call of “Zero Troops in Afghanistan – Bring All the Troops, Drones and War Dollars Home Now,” about 25 people joined the picket.

A statement issued by organizers says in part, “While Obama and the Pentagon talk about the war ‘ending,’ the reality is that U.S. troops will remain in Afghanistan and the war and occupation will continue.”

“The longest war in U.S. history is essentially getting longer. A year from now, or in two years, what new excuse will be available to keep troops involved in a war and occupation that does nothing but harm the people of Afghanistan?” the statement asks.

The statement concludes, “We say enough. Not one more day, not one more death, not one more dollar for the war and occupation of Afghanistan.”

Meredith Aby-Keirstead, a member of the Anti-War Committee spoke at the protest, saying in part, “While the president’s speech focused on how the U.S. is ending and changing its operation in Afghanistan, we see the speech as a political smokescreen for the U.S. continuing its war and occupation in Afghanistan.”

Minnesota Peace Action Coalition initiated the Friday protest. The event was endorsed by AFSCME Local 3800, Anti-War Committee, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Mayday Bookstore, Military Families Speak Out (Minnesota chapter), Socialist Action, Twin Cities Peace Campaign, Students for a Democratic Society (UMN), Veterans for Peace, Women Against Military Madness, Workers International League.

Military Families Speak Out, a national network of family members of military personnel issued a call for protests against the decision to keep U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

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