Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from communist and workers parties opposing the planned war on Syria. Freedom Road Socialist Organization in among the signers.

Chicago, IL – Chanting, “Hands off Syria! No new wars!” a rally of 600 people gathered in Federal Plaza on Sept. 7 to demand that Congress vote no on U.S. military intervention. The Anti-War Committee-Chicago called the event, joined by the ANSWER Coalition of Chicago and the Syrian American Forum. The crowd also heard passionate speakers from U.S. Palestinian Community Network, Iraq Veterans Against the War, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 2858 and the American Friends Service Committee.

Jacksonville, FL – More than 130 protesters, including more than 70 Syrian Americans, gathered in Jacksonville's Memorial Park and marched on Congressman Ander Crenshaw's office to demand “Hands off Syria” on Sept. 7. Organized by Jacksonville Against the War on Syria (JAWS), the protest demanded that Crenshaw and Congresswoman Corrine Brown vote no on authorization for President Barack Obama's proposed military strike on Syria.

Dallas, TX – More than 100 protesters gathered at the historic grassy knoll here on Sept. 7, to protest possible U.S. attacks on Syria. Demonstrators chanted and sang, while one passing motorist after another honked their horn in support.

Tampa, FL – As President Obama seeks approval from Congress to attack Syria, protests have been spurring up all over the country. Over 150 protesters gathered in Tampa to demand “U.S. hands off Syria.” Protesters gathered at an intersection, Sept. 7, chanting and waving signs while motorists honked in support. This protest had grown in size from last week, with many more Syrian Americans attending.

New York City, NY – Over 1000 people demonstrated against the threatened attacks on Syria here, Sept. 7, marching from Times Square to Union Square along Broadway, past tens of thousands of people. The main slogan was “U.S. hands off Syria.”

Minneapolis, MN – More than 300 people joined a spirited protest here, Sept. 7, to demand that Congress votes against a war on Syria.

Gainesville, FL – Demanding Congress vote no on U.S. military intervention in Syria, 70 protesters gathered in Turlington Plaza at the University of Florida, Sept. 6.

Minneapolis, MN – More than 50 people met with Congressperson Keith Ellison at the Masjid An-Nur mosque in North Minneapolis, Sept 6. This was meant to be a low profile, private ‘listening session’ with 20 invited people – the vast majority in favor of bombing Syria. Although discouraged by Ellison’s office and told there would be no opportunity to speak, 30 anti-war activists mobilized on very short notice and succeeded in speaking.

Minneapolis, MN – As the U.S. Congress prepares to vote on the war resolution sought by the Obama administration, peace and anti-war groups have called for a protest in Minneapolis on Sept. 7 to speak out against a new war.