Now that ten years are passed since the events of Sept. 11, 2001, we would do well to look back and take note of some of the causes and consequences. We need to sum up and draw lessons. Immediately following the attacks in New York and at the Pentagon, the Bush administration began cynically manipulating events to launch an expansive and ongoing war on the peoples of the world and an escalating campaign of repression here at home under the guise of a ‘war on terror.’ This two-pronged approach to reasserting the power of the U.S. empire at the expense of working and oppressed people is continuing, and in some ways accelerating under the Obama administration.

Milwaukee, WI – Dozens protested the U.S. and NATO war in Libya in downtown here, Aug. 27. The message was “U.S./NATO out of Libya now!”

As the US/NATO-led rebel forces assault the Libyan capital of Tripoli, it is important for antiwar and progressive forces to recognize a few key points. The development of events since the popular North African revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt led to some divisions among progressive forces as the imperialist countries maneuvered to take control of the situation and develop contradictions in North Africa in their favor. In Libya the U.S., France, the U.K., and Italy joined together to take advantage of the discontent among certain sections of the Libyan people, and thereby develop an armed rebel movement to topple the Gaddafi government. This criminal action taken by US and NATO forces should be condemned by all people of conscience. The success of the NATO-led rebels would certainly mean an end to an independent Libya.

Newark, NJ – Peace activist and former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney visited here July 28, speaking at a meeting of the People’s Organization for Progress. The room was packed as over 200 people turned out to hear her speak about her recent visit to Libya, the latest country to be victimized by NATO aggression.

Milwaukee, WI – On June 8, representatives of Students for a Democratic Society, Freedom Road Socialist Organization and the Nation of Islam held a panel discussion on the current conflict in Libya.

Tonight, March 28, we urge our readers to join an online discussion of President Obama’s speech defending the decision to attack Libya.

Minneapolis, MN – Over 40 people joined an emergency protest here March 25 to show opposition to the U.S.-led bombing of Libya.

Salt Lake City, UT – Students, military veterans and anti-war activists rallied here March 19 for the National Day of Action Against War.

The leadership of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) issued an important press statement, March 22, opposing the war on Libya. The NDFP is the huge Filipino united front organization that’s fighting for democratic rights and to free the Philippines from foreign domination.

Minneapolis, MN – About 75 protesters demanding an end to the U.S.-led war on Libya gathered at the Federal Building here, March 21. The demonstration was initiated by Women Against Military Madness and endorsed by the Anti-War Committee, the Twin Cities Peace Campaign and others.