Editor’s note: Fight Back! Is publishing the following commentary by Ekim Kilic that includes a wealth of information on the role of Turkey in Syria, which will be of interest to many readers. Given the rapid developments in Syria after the liberation of Alleppo from Western-backed sectarian forces, Fight Back! will have more coverage and commentary on the situation in upcoming weeks.

Minneapolis, MN – On Jan. 3, the opening day of Minnesota’s legislative session, the Welfare Rights Committee (WRC) will hold a ‘Day of Reckoning’ protest to demand that politicians end their war on the poor. After a short noon outdoor rally at the state capitol building, low-income people and their supporters will march in formation to every legislator’s office to send a message.

Commentary by Masao Suzuki

One of the first things that Donald Trump said that he would do as president is repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) also known as Obamacare. The ACA has dramatically reduced the number of Americans without health insurance, from more than 41 million in 2013 to less than 29 million two years later, a drop of 13 million people. A repeal of the ACA would increase the number of uninsured by 20 million people, so the that number of uninsured would rise to record levels.

Fight back News Service is circulating the following Dec. 22 statement from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine saluted the imprisoned strugglers Ahmad Abu Fara and Anas Shadid on their steadfastness in the confrontation with the executioner in the battle of empty stomachs. It saluted their victory, saying that their struggle is marked on the proud record of the prisoners’ movement’s many battles of steadfastness and confrontation with the Zionist prison administration and intelligence agencies seeking to break the will of the Palestinian prisoners.

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following appeal from the Rasmea Defense Committee.

Please continue to support the defense fund by making a generous donation NOW!

Davao City, Philippines – More than 15,000 revolutionary forces and representatives from at least 10 regions in the country, peace advocates, officials from both Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) made up the fiery, artistic and militant celebration of today’s 48th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and National Assembly for Just and Lasting Peace in Paquibato district, Davao City.

“A revolution is not a dinner party”

Read some Mao on Mao’s birthday

“A revolution is not a dinner party”

Read some Mao on Mao’s birthday

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following Dec. 21 statement from the Rasmea Defense Committee.

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following Dec. 21 statement from the Rasmea Defense Committee.

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following Dec. 21 statement from the Rasmea Defense Committee.

Black Students for Revolution (BSFR) led a student walkout from classes at the University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign (UIUC) in late October. They demanded an end to tuition hikes, increased retention and scholarships for Black, Latino and Indigenous students, and other progressive changes. They demanded the UIUC administration schedule a public town hall style meeting to discuss their demands, which Chancellor Robert Jones rejects.

West Allis, WI – 50 protesters rallied in zero-degree weather outside the entrance to Donald Trump's ‘Thank you tour’ at the Wisconsin State Fair Park on Tuesday night, Dec. 13. The anti-Trump activists stood in the entrance to the park as Trump supporters were forced to walk through the protest to enter the Trump speaking event. After Trump supporters insulted a woman carrying a protest sign, the protesters chanted, “Pussy grabbing is not okay!”

New York, NY – Activists gathered in front of the Philippine Consulate General on Fifth Avenue Dec. 9 to demand that Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process, Jess Dureza, uphold peace and justice in the Philippines.

Minneapolis, MN – Jan. 10 is the date set for the new trial of Palestinian American leader Rasmea Odeh. The new trial comes after a successful appeal to Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and legal wrangling before Judge Drain of Detroit’s federal court.

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following Dec. 11 statement for the Popular Front for the Liberation (PFLP).

Minneapolis, MN – Dec. 10 marks International Human Rights Day. The Minnesota Anti-War Committee had a short rally at Lake Street and Nicollet Avenue, followed by a march of 200 people to denounce Trump's agenda of hate and racism.

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from Students for a Democratic Society (SDS).

After cancelling a November 29 Daubert hearing last week, Eastern District of Michigan Federal Judge Gershwin Drain reviewed written arguments, and ruled today that Palestinian American community organizer Rasmea Odeh will be granted a new trial.

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following Dec. 4 statement from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)