Jacksonville, FL – Over 60 protesters stormed U.S. Senator Bill Nelson’s Jacksonville office on Sept. 12, demanding that the senator renounce his support for President Barack Obama’s proposed military strike on Syria. Nelson says he will vote yes for a U.S. war on Syria.

The protest, called by Jacksonville Against the War on Syria (JAWS), was lively with many Syrian and Arab-Americans taking part. Dave Schneider, an organizer with JAWS, explained, “Bill Nelson built a career for himself criticizing Bush for starting the war in Iraq and he’s happy to take money from progressives and the anti-war movement. But now that Obama is in office, he supports war and occupation. Senator Nelson is now a warmonger. It’s hypocritical, it’s disgusting, it’s flat-out wrong, and we’re demanding he vote no on U.S. war.”

The protesters assembled outside of Nelson’s office on the 20th floor of Riverside Tower. Carrying signs that read, “Say no to U.S. military intervention” and “Hands off Syria,” the group stood in front of the building and caught the attention of drivers in rush hour traffic. They chanted, “USA, stay away!” and “U.S., NATO, hands off Syria,” before marching inside the complex.

The protest included members from JAWS, the Friends of the Syrian American Forum, the Jacksonville Progressive Coalition, the New Jim Crow Movement, Occupy Jacksonville, several churches in the area, and students from the University of North Florida. Many of the protesters were Syrian American, for whom the threat of war is especially terrifying and personal.

“I am a Syrian,” said Sandra Ahmad, a Syrian American resident in Jacksonville, who lost a cousin to the U.S. and Saudi-backed rebels. “I can’t see America going to bomb my country and family and friends and my whole memories, and stay quiet. That’s hard. We can’t fight there but we are going to do anything we can here to help. It’s not easy to see your families killed.”

Once inside the building, the protesters ignored the requests of security guards to put away their megaphones, with one person saying, “We’re just here to speak with our senator.” As the crowd rode the escalators to the tower lobby, they continued chanting, “Senator Nelson, hands off Syria,” and “Obama, it’s not your business.”

The crowd filled into five elevators and reached Nelson’s office, continuing to loudly chant and make noise. Nelson’s staff left moments before the protesters arrived, leaving the crowd with no way to directly voice their demands.

With no one from Nelson’s office to talk with, protesters began posting up their rally signs and small cards that read, “I don’t support Obama’s strike on Syria, and neither should you, Bill Nelson,” which every person signed. Within minutes, rally signs and cards covered the entirety of Senator Nelson’s office door.

The crowd reassembled downstairs in front of the tower. Many of the Syrian Americans sang the Syrian national anthem and led several Arabic chants against U.S. intervention.

Organizers announced several call-in days to Senator Nelson’s office. After marching to a nearby park, participants drew up plans for a meeting and forum on future actions.

After the rally, Schneider commented on their protest, “Just two days after we marched on Congressman Crenshaw’s office, he came out vocally against any U.S. military strike on Syria.”

Jacksonville Congressman Ander Crenshaw said he would vote no on authorizing war on Syria. Protesters targeted Crenshaw earlier this month by plastering his front office door with rally signs, news articles, letters and petitions. Crenshaw specifically cited the actions of his constituents as a reason for his change from “undecided” to a “no” on U.S. war with Syria.

#JacksonvilleFL #AntiwarMovement #Syria #USImperialism #chemicalWeapons #destroyers #SyrianAmericanForum #SenatorBillNelson

A statement from Syria’s military says that the helicopter mistakenly strayed a small way across the border, was given immediate orders to return, and as it was heading back, was shot down. The statement also noted that the hasty reaction on the part of Turkey is evidence that they are escalating the tension on the border between the two countries.

For its part, Turkey has played an important role in helping the U.S. and other Western countries in their efforts to destroy Syria’s government. Turkey is a key transit point for combatants and war material for the brutal Syrian rebels. The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency has set up a large operation inside Turkey to arm and train the Syrian opposition.

Given recent threats by the U.S. to launch military strikes against Syria – and despite the massive opposition domestically and internationally which resulted in the Obama administration pausing its attack plans – it’s likely that Washington will continue to seek pretexts to expand the war with Syria.

#Syria #USImperialism #turkey #chemicalWeapons #destroyers #MiddleEast

Minneapolis, MN – More than 100 people rallied and marched here, Sept. 14, under the call of “No New Wars – No U.S. Military Intervention in Syria.” Protesters gathered in the busy Lake Street and Hiawatha Avenue area. Carrying signs and banners opposing an attack on Syria, they marched along Lake Street. There were many honks of support from passing cars.

Margaret Sarfehjooy of Women Against Military Madness stated, “We are here to say no more. No more wars. Not one more death in Syria in my name paid for with my tax dollars. Hands off Syria.”

The demonstration was initiated by Minnesota Peace Action Coalition and endorsed by Anti-War Committee, Twin Cities Peace Campaign, Veterans for Peace, Women Against Military Madness, Students for a Democratic Society and others.

Jess Sundin of the Anti War Committee told the crowd shortly before the march, “Syria and Russia called the White House’s bluff early this week and agreed to Secretary of State John Kerry’s demand that Syria turn over any chemical weapons to the international community. Syria is joining the Chemical Weapons Convention, and Russia is working on UN oversight.”

Sundin continued, “In spite of this progress, President Obama spoke to the country on Tuesday, and announced that U.S. warships would not withdraw. He told us all that they remain ready, waiting for his order to attack. If he honestly cared about chemical weapons, Obama might have used Tuesday’s speech to take credit for some fine diplomacy and maybe extended his commitment to rid the world of these weapons – starting with the Pentagon’s stockpiles, and then maybe moving onto Israel. Of course, that is not what happened.”

Speaking at the end of the protest Alan Dale, a member of the Minnesota Peace Action Coalition, said, “The U.S. has been at war continuously for the past 12 years: Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, the drone wars in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia. And now the Obama administration is proposing yet another military intervention. The people of the U.S. and people around the world say enough, enough, enough! No new wars! People need funds for jobs and housing, not another war.”

Organizers also announced plans for a protest in Minneapolis set for Oct. 5 that will mark 12 years of the U.S. war in Afghanistan. The protest is being organized to demand “U.S. Troops and Drones Out of Afghanistan – No New Wars – No Military Intervention in Syria.”

#MinneapolisMN #AntiwarMovement #Russia #Syria #USImperialism #chemicalWeapons #destroyers

Miami, FL – Over 25 people gathered outside of Senator Bill Nelson’s Miami office here on Sept. 12 to demand that the U.S. Senator from Florida vote against any military authorization bill that comes his way.

The rally began at 6:45 p.m. in front of Nelson’s office, which is located in Coral Gables. Protesters held Syrian flags and anti-war signs with slogans such as, “Hands off Syria,” and “I don’t want my tax dollars supporting Al-Qaeda.”

On Sept. 10, President Obama addressed the nation stating that the U.S. would postpone any immediate strikes against Syria, as well as the vote for Congressional approval. According to a POWIR (People's Opposition to War, Imperialism and Racism) statement released the following day, the protest itself was not postponed because the military option is still not off the table and a vote could still happen at any moment.

Sandy Davies, of Progressive Democrats of America (Miami-Dade), gave the first speech at the protest in which he told the crowd that this was the first time in history that popular resistance against a war actually succeeded in deterring the U.S. from attacking another country.

“We must continue to resist the media’s narrative that Assad gassed his own people. It has never been proven true,” Davies said. “We must also resist any new red lines that the government puts forth to try ad justify attacking Syria. No new red line!”

Camilo Mejia of Veterans for Peace also spoke to the crowd. He said the U.S. remains the “world’s number one bully and the world’s number one war criminal,” and continued by saying that the U.S. has been using biological and chemical weapons since the extermination of Native Americans.

After the speeches, the group marched from Senator Nelson’s office to Ponce De Leon Park, chanting, “No Justice to peace, U.S. out of the Middle East!” Cars honked in support and onlookers raised fists in solidarity.

Upon arriving to the park, members of Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Green Party and POWIR delivered speeches opposing any new imperialist wars and actions overseas.

Kim Miller, an organizer with POWIR said, “All anti-imperialist and peace-loving people around the world should oppose all U.S. policies used to intimidate and bully independent nationalist governments!”

The event ended at 8:00 in the evening. This protest was part of a statewide call to action put out by POWIR for the week of Sept. 8. Cities across Florida held call-ins and protests urging representatives and senators to vote no on war with Syria. People and organizations in Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami and Gainesville all took part in the week of action.

#MiamiFL #AntiwarMovement #Syria #USImperialism #chemicalWeapons #POWIR #destroyers

Commenting on the speech, Bruce Nestor, a Minneapolis attorney and member of the National Lawyers Guild said, “We question the intelligence findings and do not believe the U.S. has the moral authority to act or is motivated to protect the people of Syria. We know that bombs and war will not promote human rights. We call on Congress to follow the will of the people and vote no, whether it’s this week or a month from now.”

Meredith Aby of the Twin Cities-based Anti-War Committee states, “If this was really about chemical weapons Obama would call off these threats, but instead he is calling for a continuation of threatening Syria minus the ‘reason.’ In reality this plan to attack is about going after Iran and Syria, because they are a hurdle to U.S. plans for domination of the Middle East.”

Aby continued, “It is a victory for the anti-war movement that Obama is being pressured into taking Russia's deal. If the president had the support of the public he'd go to war without congressional approval. But he can't do that. We have helped lead a public and loud movement of people demanding that they be listened to.

“The point of this speech was to sell war to the American people, but hours before the speech Congress called off its vote. However, Obama made it clear tonight he's having a hard time campaigning for war on Syria. Please come out Saturday [Sept. 14] at 3:00 p.m. to say no to war with Syria! Our work isn't done until the troops and ships threatening Syria are out of the Middle East.”

#MinneapolisMN #AntiwarMovement #Syria #BarackObama #USImperialism #chemicalWeapons #destroyers #Congress

Grand Rapids, MI – 40 people protested against a U.S. war on Syria at the War Memorial in downtown Grand Rapids on Sept. 7. Some brought flowers for the victims of U.S. wars to the noon time protest, while others brought anti-war signs and messages. After folk singer Carol Johnson opened the rally with her rousing voice, organizer Joe Fletcher welcomed the protesters.

One speaker explained why the White House wants to go to war in Syria despite the lack of evidence and facts, “because the U.S. wants to dominate the Middle East and control the oil in the region after being forced out of Iraq.” Another speaker led the singing of John Lennon’s song “Imagine”, while a third read a letter from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro opposing the U.S. war on Syria. There were announcements about the Midwest Action Against Drones in Chicago on Sept. 28 and 29 and Peace Days in Grand Rapids leading up to Sept. 21. The final speakers led chants and pumped people to march around the downtown area and a street festival. Grand Rapidians either applauded and gave the fist pump in the air, or stood amazed as the protesters ranging in age from 18 to 81 passed by chanting, “Hands off Syria, no new wars!” and “We demand peace, U.S. out of the Middle East!”

Local radio personality Jeremiah Bannister emceed and spoke about the widespread opposition to President Obama’s plans for war saying, “Some of my progressive friends have amnesia, but I am trying hard to help them remember when they opposed a major war in the Middle East just a few years ago, and the reasons why. With many being the same today.” Bannister also spoke about the anti-war sentiment that spans society in the wake of the U.S. destruction in Iraq and the ongoing U.S. occupation of Afghanistan, saying “Take care with speaking to your conservative friends, family and acquaintances about their sudden embrace of anti-war values. Be very gracious and constructive with them.”

Chaka Holley, a Black community activist, spoke about the strong and consistent opposition to U.S. war in the African-American community. She explained, “When I come to anti-war rallies, rallies against big business, banks, animal abuse and the like, I rarely see more than a handful of Blacks or Latinos. I do not believe that this is due to a lack of concern but more so due to a lack of opportunity.” Holley then detailed many of the recent police and vigilante murders of African-American people, including Trayvon Martin. After an emotional moment, Holley asked of anti-war activists, “Not only do we need you to oppose war but we need you to fight for good public education, access to fair housing, good immigration laws, ending the mass incarceration of African Americans, fight for laws that protect our children when they are driving while Black in America, laws that protect our children from being shot down on their way from the candy store, school or bombed while sitting in church or on their living room floors.” After Holley finished with a quote from Martin Luther King Jr., the applause was loud and prolonged.

The anti-war movement in Grand Rapids is grappling with the political contradictions faced on a national level. U.S. Representative Justin Amash, a Republican and Arab-American, is a strong and outspoken ‘no’ vote against U.S. war in Syria, while liberal Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, both Democrats, support another U.S. war in the Middle East. The Left Forum of Grand Rapids launched a campaign this week “Michiganders against U.S. war on Syria” targeting the supposedly ‘progressive’ Senators Stabenow and Levin with phone calls and emails demanding they vote no on any new wars.

Mike Kowalski of the Left Forum of Grand Rapids summed it up, “Our rally was pulled together quickly, but still the biggest anti-war protest in Grand Rapids for a few years now. We are targeting these treacherous Senators from Michigan with a phone call blitz to ‘Vote no’ and students are starting anti-war outreach on the campuses in town. Like people in the rest of Michigan, and the world, we want to stop this war before it starts!”

#GrandRapidsMI #AntiwarMovement #Syria #USImperialism #chemicalWeapons #destroyers #Congress #SenatorCarlLevin #SenatorDebbieStabenow

Statement of 76 Communist and Workers’ Parties against the Imperialist Military Attack against Syria

We, the communist and workers’ parties, express our solidarity with the Syrian people and denounce the military attack against Syria which is being prepared by the imperialists of the USA, NATO and the EU together with their allies in order to promote their interests in the region.

We reject the pretexts of the imperialists which, as was demonstrated, were also used in the war against Iraq and in the other imperialist wars against Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Libya.

We call on the working class, the peoples all over the world to oppose and condemn the new imperialist war, to demand that the governments of their countries have no involvement in and do not support the criminal military offensive.

Communist Party of Albania Algerian Party For Democracy And Socialism Communist Party of Australia Communist Party of Azerbaidjan Democratic, Progressive Tribune, Bahrain Communist Party of Bangladesh Communist Party Of Belarus Communist Party of Workers of Belarus Workers’ Party of Belgium Communist Party of Belgium (Wallonia-Brussels) Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia Communist Party of Brazil Brazilian Communist Party Communist Party of Britain New Communist Party of Britain Communist Party of Canada Communist Party of Chile Communist Party of Cuba The Progressive Party of the Working People – AKEL, Cyprus Communist Party of Denmark Communist Party in Denmark Danish Communist Party Communist Party of Finland Communist Workers’ Party of Finland Pole of Communist Revival, France URCF (France) Galician People's Union, Spain Unified Communist Party of Georgia German Communist Party (DKP) Communist Party of Greece Hungarian Workers’ Party Tudeh Party of Iran Communist Party of Ireland The Workers Party of Ireland Communist Party of Israel Party of the Italian Communists Communists People’s Left-Communist Party, Italy Activist Group Shiso-Undo, Japan Jordanian Communist Party Socialist Party of Latvia Socialist People’s Front of Lithuania Communist Party of Luxembourg Communist Party of Malta Communist Party of Mexico Partido Socialista APN, Mexico People’s Resistance, Moldova New Communist Party of the Netherlands Communist Party of Norway Communist Party of Pakistan Palestinian Communist Party Palestinian People’s Party Philippine Communist Party [PKP-1930] Communist Party of Poland Portuguese Communist Party Communist Party of the Russian Federation Communist Workers’ Party of Russia Communist Party of Soviet Union New Communist Party of Yugoslavia Communist Party of Slovakia Communist Party of Spain Communist Party of the People of Spain Sudanese Communist Party Communist Party, Sweden Communist Party of Sweden Communist Party of Southern Switzerland (federate to Swiss Labour Party) Syrian Communist Party Syrian Communist Party [Unified] Communist Party of Tadjikistan Communist Party of Turkey Labour Party of Turkey (EMEP) Communist Party of Ukraine Union of Communists of Ukraine Communist Party of Venezuela Party for Socialism and Liberation (USA) Communist Party USA (CPUSA) Freedom Road Socialist Organization (USA)

#UnitedStates #AntiwarMovement #Syria #NATO #USImperialism #chemicalWeapons #Communism

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.

Congress has not voted on military intervention, but a resolution supporting war passed in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. While the Obama administration drums up military momentum, a wave of anti-war rallies is sweeping the country and the world, with mass protests in New York, Washington D.C., London and Tunis.

Since April, the Anti-War Committee-Chicago has been mobilizing against American intervention, organizing downtown demonstrations with the patriotic activists of the Syrian American Forum (SAF). Speaking as a member of SAF, Kousay Ahmad emphasized, “the solution to this conflict must be Syrian – by Syrians for Syria.”

As Federal Plaza filled with chanting people, unions took up the cry of “Money for jobs – not for war!” Elijah Edwards from AFSCME Local 2858 denounced the cutbacks in community healthcare, saying, “Instead of using taxes to support the services of the people, the government is using them to support war.”

Zakiah Muhammad, a long-time community organizer against police brutality, decried the hypocrisy of the Obama administration. “We haven’t forgotten when our government dropped Agent Orange on the Vietnamese people,” she said, calling this action “chemical warfare.”

Alejandro Villatoro brought a moment of moving reflection to the crowd as he remembered how, as a young soldier, he supported the war in Iraq. He realized he had been lied to about the pretext for invasion when, “we didn’t find any weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.”

Syrian Americans came out in full force to oppose the war. Family members young and old joined in, waving flags and carrying banners, as the Syrian contingent led the protesters on a march through Chicago’s busy shopping district. The lively marchers took the street for a period, until they were blocked by the police and forced to continue on the sidewalks. The rally regrouped outside the Chicago Tribune building as speakers condemned the newspaper’s pro-intervention editorials.

Chicago’s anti-war movement sent a clear message to Congress, Sept. 7: The American people are overwhelmingly against an attack on Syria and will keep up the pressure for Congress to vote no.

#ChicagoIL #AntiwarMovement #Syria #USImperialism #chemicalWeapons #SyrianAmericanForum #Congress

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.

Members of the Syrian American Forum, Veterans for Peace, the North Florida Central Labor Council, Occupy Jacksonville, the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, the New Jim Crow Movement, the Jacksonville Progressive Coalition and Gainesville Students for a Democratic Society attended the rally, along with many concerned residents from the Jacksonville community.

“I am against any intervention because, first of all we will be defending, arming and fighting alongside al-Qaeda – the same al-Qaeda we have supposedly been fighting against in other countries,” said Angela Abdulnour, a student at University of North Florida. “Second of all, the U.S. should spend the billions this attack would cost at home where it is more needed. It's important to rally and have our voice heard because if we don't, we will be allowing our leaders to make decisions that are only in their own interests and not in the interests of the American people and the Syrian people.”

The rally started midday at Memorial Park, in the Riverside neighborhood. Carrying Syrian flags and rally signs reading, “No authorization for war on Syria,” the energetic crowd listened to a diverse stack of speakers who talked about the negative effects of U.S. war on the Middle East.

“Are we spending money on education in Syria?” asked Wells Todd, an organizer with the Jacksonville Progressive Coalition and a Vietnam-era veteran. “Are we spending money on health care for Syrians? No! We're spending money to kill Syrian men, women and children, just like we did in Iraq.”

Protesters carried Syrian flags, some with pictures of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and a group of Syrian American students from University of North Florida wore shirts with Assad's image. Loud chants of “Hands off Syria!” and “We want peace! U.S. out of the Middle East,” energized the rally as protesters set out on the quarter-mile walk to Crenshaw's office.

When the protesters reached Crenshaw's office, which was located in a dentist's building, they gathered around the glass door entrance. With no one from Crenshaw's office present to hear the demands, people began taping their signs to the doors and windows. JAWS organizers passed out small cards reading, “I do not support President Obama's strike on Syria. Neither should you, Rep. Crenshaw,” which each person signed and taped to the door. One sign featured red hand prints, symbolizing the blood on Congress' hands if they approve Obama's strike on Syria. Within minutes, rally signs and signature cards covered the entire entrance.

The protesters then marched to Five-Points, an intersection of five streets in the heart of Riverside. Within minutes, they covered all five corners of the street block, and four people climbed onto the center stoplight to hang banners and the Syrian flag. They chanted, “Obama, it's not your business,” and “U-S-A, stay away!”

Dozens of cars drove by and honked and a few stopped to shout their support from the car. Customers at nearby restaurants came outside to see the rally and voice their support, with about 15 new people joining the protest.

When the police showed up, the protesters refused to back down and continued chanting at the street corners.

After more than 30 minutes at Five-Points, the protest marched back to Memorial Park and heard several other speakers. George Samara of the Syrian American Forum talked about traveling on Sept. 9 to Washington D.C. to protest the proposed military strike.

Many protesters voiced cautious optimism that Congress would not authorize Obama's proposal. “If Obama is saying he wants to attack and has the authority to attack even without the support of the Congress, wouldn't he be a dictator?” asked Abdulnour.

JAWS also announced a statewide call-in day to Senator Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio demanding no authorization for war on Syria, in conjunction with the Miami-based People's Opposition to War, Imperialism and Racism (POWIR).

#JacksonvilleFL #AntiwarMovement #Syria #USImperialism #chemicalWeapons #SyrianAmericanForum #Congress #CongressmanAnderCrenshaw

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.

Different organizations came out, including the Friends of the Syrian American Forum, St. Pete for Peace, Students for a Democratic Society, Veterans for Peace and Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

For several hours the protesters chanted in both English and in Arabic, while waving signs and Syrian flags. Towards the end of the protest, a protester called the office of Florida Senator Bill Nelson, a pro-war Democrat. The entire protest was put on speaker-phone and then recorded a message to the Senator – “Hands off Syria!”

At the end of the rally Matt Hastings of Students for a Democratic Society said, “We hear the U.S. government tell lies about WMDs, but we know that it is, in fact, the U.S. government that has and uses weapons of mass destruction. It was the U.S. who dropped nuclear bombs on civilians in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, dropped depleted uranium bombs in Yugoslavia and used napalm to terrorize in Vietnam. Under Obama’s presidency, the U.S. has used drone strikes to terrorize and cause mass destruction in numerous countries. This must come to an end.”

Currently President Obama wants congressional approval to attack Syria. Students for a Democratic Society in Tampa are planning to protest Florida Senator Bill Nelson. Since day one, Nelson has been one of the biggest war hawks, urging the Democratic Party to back military action against Syria. Protesters plan to come back to the intersection with more people to hold a presence.

#TampaFL #AntiwarMovement #Syria #USImperialism #chemicalWeapons #SyrianAmericanForum #SenatorBillNelson

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.”

Sara Flounders, of the International Action Center, invited demonstrators to come to Washington D.C. on Sept. 9, to protest when the U.S. Congress reconvenes. Many other organizations supported the march. This was one of at least 40 demonstrations held across the U.S. today.

#NewYorkCityNY #AntiwarMovement #Syria #USImperialism #chemicalWeapons #destroyers #Congress

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

The Obama administration will be seeking a resolution in support of a military attack on Syria in the upcoming week.

Carrying signs and banners, protesters chanted “1,2,3,4, we don't want another war, 5,6,7,8, vote no, it's not too late,” receiving the support of many of those passing by.

Meredith Aby, of the Twin Cites based Anti-War Committee, told the crowd, “Secretary of State Kerry had the balls to say that after WWI the civilized members of the international community decided to never use chemical weapons again. Well, the civilized ones might have agreed but that clearly didn’t include the U.S. The U.S used chemical weapons to inflict illness and painful death on large amounts of innocent people by using napalm in Vietnam and Southeast Asia and later in Iraq by using white phosphorus. If Obama really is appalled by the use of chemical weapons, he should at least have the same concern about what his own country does. All of us here should demand that the U.S. never use chemical weapons again.”

Speaking on the goals of a U.S. attack Aby said, “Obama has publicly stated he wants a regime change. At the point at which the president is deciding who gets to rule Syria, we are talking about the U.S. installing a puppet government. It’s clearly about clearing the way for a U.S. or Israeli attack on Iran. The U.S. geopolitical plans for the region are the real motivations for attacking Syria. Stopping this war is critical because we are not just fighting to stop an attack on Syria, we are working to stop an attack on Iran and to stop the continuation of U.S. imperialism in the Middle East.”

The protest was initiated by Minnesota Peace Action Coalition and endorsed by Anti-War Committee, Twin Cities Peace Campaign, Veterans for Peace, Women Against Military Madness and others.

#MinneapolisMN #AntiwarMovement #AntiwarCommittee #Syria #USImperialism #chemicalWeapons #destroyers

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.

University of Florida Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) organized the protest demanding “Hands off Syria!” Gainesville Vets for Peace, Occupy Gainesville, Freedom Road Socialist Organization and members of University of Florida faculty and other students and community members joined SDS at the protest.

The action comes on the heels of local call-in day telling Gainesville House of Representative members Corrine Brown (D) and Ted Yoho ® to oppose military intervention in Syria and to “Vote no.” Congress is debating President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry’s calls for war, while U.S. ships sail to the region and prepare for attacks to start the war.

In his speech, Conor Munro, a member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, said, “This war has nothing to do with chemical weapons or democracy. This is an imperialist war. This is a war of exploitation and control of the region’s oil. This is a war of domination.”

University of Florida SDS and its allies will continue to speak out and organize against the Obama administration’s hypocrisy in another U.S. military foray into the Middle East. SDS and its allies will continue to push their message, “Hands off Syria!”

#GainesvilleFL #AntiwarMovement #StudentsForADemocraticSociety #Syria #USImperialism #chemicalWeapons #Congress

Representative Ellison opened the meeting by explaining his decision to vote for bombing Syria. His reasons follow the administration’s line. He said, “Every country has an obligation to defend its citizens from mass atrocities and when they don’t the U.S. has the responsibility to do it by force if necessary.”

Ed Felien cited the reports which dispute the claims the Syrian government used sarin gas and asked, “How'd you get your evidence?” Ellison replied that he got it from the Syrian American community.

John Kolstad called on Ellison to call for the release of the documents which the administration claim shows the Syria government is guilty of using chemical weapons. He recalled Representative Alan Grayson’s (Democrat from Florida) Sept. 5 questioning of Secretary of State John Kerry, at the House hearing on releasing the communication report of the Syrian generals, which some sources say contradicts the administration version.

One activist asked, “Are we going to drop DU [depleted uranium], white phosphorous and cluster bombs – all weapons of mass destruction – to deal with weapons of mass destruction?”

Steve McKeown of Vets for Peace questioned why Ellison is so ready to bomb Syria because of their alleged use of sarin gas when he won’t see vets outside his district who suffer from Agent Orange.

Bruce Nestor from the National Lawyers Guild of Minnesota noted that it’s against international law to go to war without authorization from the UN. He said, “Would it have been OK if Russia or China had shot missiles at U.S. troops to stop the slaughter of 100,000 Iraqis by the U.S. and NATO?”

Margaret Sarfehjooy of Women Against Military Madness (WAMM) said, “Hagel has said this will not be a pin prick. Will it be like shock and awe? You will have blood on your hands.”

Sarah Martin of WAMM said, “You are on the wrong side of history. The U.S. public, the world and many governments including the UN oppose this rush to war.”

A protest opposing the war will be held at Hiawatha Avenue and Lake Street on Saturday Sept. 7 from 12:30 to 1:30 In Minneapolis. This will be the fourth demonstration against war on Syria this week.

#MinneapolisMN #AntiwarMovement #Syria #RepKeithEllison #USImperialism #chemicalWeapons

The Minneapolis protest will be held Saturday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. along the sidewalks at Lake Street and Hiawatha Avenue.

Anti-war actions are being planned in cities around the country on Sept. 7 to call on Congress to reject the war resolution and U.S. military intervention in Syria.

The Minneapolis event is initiated by Minnesota Peace Action Coalition and endorsed by Anti-War Committee, Twin Cities Peace Campaign, Veterans for Peace and Women Against Military Madness and others. The Sept. 7 protest will be the third major anti-war event planned by those groups in the last ten days.

“There is tremendous opposition to a new war, but time is short. Everyone who opposes a new U.S. war needs to be active, in the streets, calling Congress and making their voice heard,” said a statement issued by organizers.

The statement goes on to say, “The U.S. Congress will vote soon on the White House plans for military intervention in Syria. The U.S. is sending warships, including an aircraft carrier, despite overwhelming opposition from the U.S. public.”

The organizers’ statement concludes by saying, “The U.S. has been at war continuously for 12 years: Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, the drone wars in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia and now the Obama administration is proposing yet another military intervention. Over the past 12 years, thousands of lives have been lost and billions upon billions of dollars have been spent. The people are saying enough of war and intervention. People need funds for jobs and housing, not another war.”

In addition to the Minneapolis event, anti-war actions are planned for the weekend in New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco and many other cities.

#MinneapolisMN #AntiwarMovement #Syria #USImperialism #USCongress #chemicalWeapons

As anti-war/anti-intervention activists, we need to oppose any kind of U.S. attack on Syria. The Obama administration has been trying to sell this war to the American people by claiming it will be a short volley of cruise missile strikes with no boots on the ground. Claims of a “short war” rest on the assumptions that the Syrian government will not respond at all to being bombed and on the idea that U.S. objectives (regime change) will be achieved without further attacks. Hundreds if not thousands will die and nothing good will come of it.

On chemical weapons and red lines:

President Obama is arguing that the government of Syria has crossed a so-called “red line” by using chemical weapons in Syria. This has a number of problems. There is absolutely no evidence or confirmation that Syria’s government carried out the alleged chemical attack. Doctors Without Borders admits that its report is based not on their own investigation, but on reports they received from a Syrian rebel group. It is not logical for the Syrian government to have used chemical weapons, given that they were having success in the conflict, and that UN weapons inspectors were in Syria only ten miles from where the attack took place. We can’t forget how we were lied to about WMD’s in Iraq.

The notion that there is a “red line” that no one is allowed to cross is cynical at the core. Iraq is saturated with cancer causing depleted uranium from U.S. bombs. The U.S. military used the chemical weapon white phosphorus in Fallujah and Israel used white phosphorus in Gaza in a manner that violates the Geneva Convention. Chemical weapons are pretext to do what the U.S. government, weapons manufacturers, Israel, and the Saudi ruling class wants to do – bomb Syria.

Honest and good people have found themselves confused about Syria. There are people who feel powerless and just wish the bloodshed would stop. Some feel that military action will make them feel better. They instead need to be asking if military action and more bloodshed improve the situation in Syria. The clear answer is no.

No blood for oil??

While Syria doesn't have much oil, there is a whole lot of it in the neighborhood. The conflict in Syria has been ongoing because it is being used as a geopolitical chess piece by the West. The point of the attack is to defeat Syria so the U.S. can next move onto Iran and strike at other forces that are opposed to U.S domination.

Syria’s real ‘crime’ is to remain independent, ignoring the agenda of U.S. empire in the Middle East and befriending the patriotic peoples of Iran, Lebanon and Palestine. The U.S. speaks of chemical weapons, hoping that we have forgotten their plan for ‘regime change’ in Syria. The U.S. government has no right to determine who should lead the Syrian government. Beyond just openly calling for the Syrian president to be thrown out, the U.S. has already given more than a billion dollars’ worth of battlefield support to the Syrian opposition.

Devastating Syria with hundreds of cruise missiles or bombs will only make it harder for the Syrian people to exercise self-determination. Only the Syrian people themselves can decide their own future. The continued escalation of U.S. involvement in Syria and the Middle East makes a lasting peace impossible. As anti-war activists we should not call for the great powers to lead negotiations on a settlement of the conflict in Geneva or anywhere else to solve Syria’s problems.

We're opposed to war. We represent. We are the 91%!

Working people are weary of the blood and treasure expended to benefit military contractors while we have problems like foreclosures and student debt. In the face of real hardship at home, including cuts to food stamps and Head Start, our bankrupt government is spending our resources to fight the people of Syria, who have more in common with us than we have with Obama.

Politicians, both Democrats and Republicans, represent the interests of U.S. imperialism and are trying to push us toward war. The anti-war movement represents the vast majority. 91% of the American people agree with us. We need to mobilize people to demonstrate and show that we don't want to be dragged into another war. We have to pressure Congress to listen to the majority’s voice. Unfortunately, we can’t trust that they will honor our wishes. We’re prepared to continue the fight and raise the level of struggle.

1,2,3,4: we don't need another war. 5,6,7,8: stop it now, it's not too late!

Failing to win support of the United Nations, the Obama administration is now turning to Congress for cover in the form of a resolution authorizing the use of military force. Getting approval from Congress doesn't make the attack legit.

When Congress returns to D.C. next week, on Sept. 9, their votes will affect whether and how a war on Syria may begin. This week, while they are in their home districts across the country, politicians need to hear from their constituents. This is the time to stop the war before the U.S government is bogged down in another expanding war like Iraq.

#UnitedStates #AntiwarMovement #Syria #USImperialism #USCongress #chemicalWeapons #basharAlassad

Minneapolis, MN – More than 175 people demonstrated in front of the office of U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar to oppose a U.S. military attack on Syria. The protest was initiated by the Minnesota Peace Action Coalition and was endorsed by the Anti-War Committee, Twin Cities Peace Campaign, Veterans for Peace, Women Against Military Madness and others.

Meredith Aby, of the Twin Cites-based Anti-War Committee told the crowd, “The White House and Pentagon are preparing a cruise missile attack on Syria. Failing to receive international support for these plans, and in the face of overwhelming opposition from the U.S. public, the Obama administration is now turning to Congress for cover in the form of a resolution authorizing the use of military force. When Congress returns to D.C. next week, on Sept. 9, their votes will determine whether and how a war on Syria may begin. This week, while they are in their home districts across the country, politicians need to hear from their constituents.”

Aby also stated, “Syria’s real ‘crime’ is to remain independent, ignoring the agenda of U.S. empire in the Middle East and befriending the patriotic peoples of Iran, Lebanon and Palestine. They speak of chemical weapons, hoping that we have forgotten their plan for ‘regime change’ in Syria. The U.S. government has no right to determine who should lead the Syrian government. Beyond just openly calling for the Syrian president to be thrown out, the U.S. has already given more than a billion dollars’ worth of battlefield support to the Syrian opposition. And devastating Syria with hundreds of cruise missiles will only make it harder for the Syrian people to decide their own future and ensures a continued escalation of U.S. involvement in Syria and the Middle East.”

#MinneapolisMN #AntiwarMovement #Syria #SenatorAmyKlobuchar #USImperialism #chemicalWeapons #destroyers

Commenting on President Obama’s decision to have a war vote in Congress, Joe Iosbaker of the Chicago Anti-War Committee stated, “The U.S. has suffered a setback in their drive toward war with Syria. The opposition in the U.N., the vote in the British Parliament and the demonstrations across the country here has won a small victory for the anti-war movement. Now President Obama is going to ask Congress for support. We must tell the politicians to vote no! In Chicago, the Anti-War Committee is calling for a ‘Congress: Vote No to War’ noon protest on Saturday, Sept. 7 to help send that message.”

Meredith Aby of the Twin Cites based Anti War Committee says, “In Minnesota the Congressional delegation is starting to fall in line behind President Obama, including Klobuchar, Franken, and Ellison. However, public opinion is overwhelmingly on our side and we need to mobilize people to demonstrate and show that we don't want to be dragged into another war and to pressure Congress. The Minnesota Peace Action Coalition has called for a protest at Senator Klobuchar's office on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 4:30. It is critical that everyone who doesn't want U.S. military strikes against Syria demonstrate and call to show that Obama really only has a 9% approval from the American people for his plan to attack Syria.”

In Florida, POWIR (People's Opposition to War, Imperialism, and Racism) calling for statewide protests and direct actions to demand that Florida Senators Marco Rubio, Bill Nelson and other Florida representatives vote no on any further U.S. aggression against the Syrian people.

Over the last several weeks demonstrations against a war on Syria have taken place in scores of cities across the U.S.

Carlos Montes, a veteran leader of the Chicano and anti-war movements, states, “Protest the U.S. plans to bomb Syria, and visit or call your local U.S. elected officials to have them say no to Obama's bomb threat!”

#MinneapolisMN #AntiwarMovement #AntiWarCommittee #Syria #CarlosMontes #USImperialism #chemicalWeapons #POWIR #destroyers

Miami, FL – As President Obama's resolution for military authorization against Syria goes before Congress, POWIR (People's Opposition to War, Imperialism, and Racism) is calling on communities across the state of Florida to take action. The anti-war group is calling for state-wide protests and direct actions to demand that Florida Senators Marco Rubio ® and Bill Nelson (D) and other Florida representatives vote no on any further U.S. aggression against the Syrian people.

POWIR stands in firm opposition to Washington's newest imperialist war in the Middle East, which will ultimately lead to even more civilian casualties and increasing destabilization in the region. Although an overwhelming majority of Americans oppose U.S. military intervention in Syria, the Obama administration appears to have its sights set on war.

Starting on September 9, both the House and the Senate will return from their break and will immediately begin debate on whether to give the president the green light to use military force against Syria. A decision could be reached by mid-September, which means missile strikes could begin within two weeks.

Protests across Florida will take place in front of the senators' various offices located throughout the state. Actions also include sign-holdings, town-hall forums, and call-in days to insist that Senators Nelson and Rubio both stand with their constituents by standing up against senseless military intervention and voting against the President's request for more war.

We are calling on President Obama to stop funding and arming factions in Syria's conflict and we demand that Congress vote no on any US military intervention in the region. And in the event that President Obama does move forward with his war against Syria, POWIR is calling for emergency actions throughout the state within twenty-four hours.

#MiamiFL #AntiwarMovement #Syria #USImperialism #chemicalWeapons #POWIR #destroyers

Minneapolis, MN – A coalition of peace and anti-war organizations are organizing a protest on Sept. 3, in front of the offices of U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, to oppose U.S. military intervention in Syria.

The building that houses Klobuchar’s office is located near the entrance ramps for 35W at 1200 Washington Avenue South in Minneapolis. The picket will run from 4:30 to 5:30 pm.

A statement issued by organizers says in part, “The Obama administration has announced that it wants Congress to vote on a new war with Syria. Time is of the essence to send a clear message to Congress: the majority of people in the U.S. are against new wars and interventions. Military intervention will not bring peace and justice to the people of Syria.”

The statement continues, “The opposition to a new war is everywhere. This opposition forced the Obama administration to step back from a bombing campaign this past weekend. But the danger also exists for an even larger war against Syria as Obama seeks to make a deal with pro-war senators and congresspersons to pass a war resolution in Congress.”

The call for the Sept. 3 protest vigil to speak out against a U.S. war in Syria was initiated by Minnesota Peace Action Coalition and is endorsed by the Anti-War Committee, Twin Cities Peace Campaign, Veterans for Peace, Women Against Military Madness and others.

#MinneapolisMN #AntiwarMovement #Syria #SenatorAmyKlobuchar #USImperialism #chemicalWeapons #destroyers