Caracas, Venezuela – Nearly 1000 people from over 70 countries attended a videoconference with the Ministry of Popular Power and Foreign Affairs of Venezuela in the morning of January 5. A continuation of the Assembly of the Peoples of Our America for Peace and Sovereignty that met in Caracas on December 9 and 10, participants expressed their solidarity with Venezuela in the face of the brutal military aggression of the United States and the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.

The assembly heard first from Blanca Eekout, director of the Instituto Simón Bolívar for Peace and Solidarity Among Peoples (ISB). Eekout said the reasons for the attack on Venezuela and the targeting of President Maduro were to steal the oil that belongs to the people and because Maduro is not a banker or business owner but a worker from the streets of Caracas.

“The resources in the ground belong to the people of Venezuela, not the elites of the foreign corporations. You will not steal one ounce of our oil!” Eekout declared, adding, “We will defeat this imperialism that is in decline and only knows war and genocide!”

After honoring the 80 victims of Trump’s bombing of the capital of Caracas and the states of Aragua, La Guaira, and Miranda, Eekout delivered a message to the international activists: mobilize actions to demand “Free President Maduro and Cilia Flores!”

The call to continue actions in these streets comes as cities all over Venezuela mobilized to defend their democratically-elected President Maduro and their Bolivarian Revolution. Close to 100 cities in the U.S. held actions to demand an end to the U.S. war on Venezuela and the return of President Maduro and his wife.

On the morning of January 5 in New York City, many organizations, including Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) , Anti War Action Network (AWAN), Workers World Party (WWP), United National AntiWar Coalition and many other organizations, gathered outside the court building for the arraignment of President Maduro.

#CaracasVenezuela #Venezuela #International #AntiWarMovement #ISB #FRSO #AWAN #WWP #UNAC

Detroit, MI – As part of the Week of Action called by the United National Antiwar Coalition and the Anti War Action Network, Detroit Anti-War Committee organized a march and rally, November 22, to demand “Hands Off Venezuela.” Over 20 community members showed up.

The action was organized alongside Detroit Community Action Committee, the DROP Trump Coalition, CodePink – Detroit, 50501 Detroit, We The People Dissent – Detroit, Detroit Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Wayne State Students for a Democratic Society, and Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

The rally started in Clark Park in Southwest Detroit, which saw an influx of Venezuelan immigrants in 2024. Since Trump has taken office, the Southwest community has been hit hard by ICE’s presence. For example, this past summer, at least four Venezuelan immigrants were detained outside of the courthouse after a judge dismissed their asylum cases. The effects of the United States’ interventions and cruel sanctions on Venezuela are seen firsthand in Detroit, and instead of finding peace, Venezuelan Detroiters are being met with ICE’s terror.

Rue Rodriguez of Detroit Community Action Committee spoke on this issue, saying that war on Venezuela “means mass displacement, being forced from their homes due to bombing and destruction, never knowing if they can ever return to their homeland.” More than the war abroad, Trump clearly wants a war at home on immigrants. Rodriguez went on to explain that the Trump administration has revoked Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans, “putting post 270,000 people at risk and drastically changing their lives and making thousands of ordinary people live in fear.”

Detroit Anti-War Committee’s speaker, Rose Boaz, told the crowd, “An attack on Venezuela is an attack on us too. Not a single soul wants this war, except Trump, the war profiteers, and the people looking to exploit Venezuela for its oil and gold. Just like how the wars on Afghanistan and Iraq were never about fighting terrorism, the war on Venezuela is not about preventing drug trafficking. Trump and his allies are not defending the Venezuelan people by waging war or placing the country under harsh sanctions — they are murdering them.”

Boaz continued, “Every time another weapon is bought or another war profiteer is invested in by our government, we are being robbed of our ability to choose our community over the destruction of someone else's.”

A member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization stated, “Every time there is a people’s government, anytime a country wants to control their own resources, anytime they stand in the way of U.S. imperialism, what do we hear about these countries? They’re authoritarians, they’re dictators, and we have to bomb them in order to give them freedom.” He went on to say, “They were wrong about Vietnam, Korea, Cuba, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan. Do we think they’re right with Venezuela?” The crowd yelled back, “Hell no!”

After speeches, the crowd took to the streets, chanting “No war with Venezuela!” They marched past businesses on Vernor and then through the neighborhoods.

Detroit made it clear that more people are seeing through Trump’s lies, which for so long have been used to justify the sanctions and interventions against Venezuela and Trump’s racist immigration policies. Despite Trump’s attempts to manufacture consent for this war, the people of Detroit demands something different – money for the city, not for Trump’s endless wars.

#DetroitMI #MI #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #AWAN #UNAC

Minneapolis, MN – On a chilly Nov. 18, a group of over 70 protesters gathered outside Senator Amy Klobuchar's office in downtown Minneapolis to demand that she stand against President Trump’s attacks against Venezuela.

Venezuela has been in the crosshairs of U.S. imperialism for decades. The U.S. has used sanctions for over 20 years in an attempt to overthrow former President Hugo Chavez and current President Nicolas Maduro. The U.S. has also backed multiple coup attempts against Chavez and Maduro. Trump is now escalating both his rhetoric and military violence against Venezuela. Protesters waved Venezuelan flags and held banners and signs as they participated in an international week of action in solidarity with Venezuela.

The Trump administration has killed at least 88 people in 20 recent military attacks on Venezuelan fishing ships. Trump claims these are “drug smuggling” boats, when in reality these attacks were on poor Venezuelan fishermen just trying to make a living. The U.S. military is continuing to grow its military force in the Caribbean with the hopes of being able and ready to strike. 15,000 soldiers and sailors have been sent into the region, and most recently the U.S. Navy has flown out the largest American aircraft carrier, the Ford, previously housed in the Mediterranean Sea.

Venezuela is home to the largest oil reserves in the world, oil that is being used to improve the lives of everyday Venezuelans under the Maduro government, instead of lining the pockets of wealthy U.S. oil giants.

Drake Myer, a member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization and the Minnesota Federation of Educators, has also traveled to Venezuela on a solidarity delegation. Mayer stated, “When I was a child the U.S. government killed half a million or more children in Iraq with sanctions and then they bombed the country and invaded it, because they said Sadam Hussein was a terrorist leader and had WMDs. It turned out to be a war for oil and killed millions more over the years. U.S. soldiers are still there killing people and stealing oil even though Iraqis have voted over and over again for them to leave. Now here we are 20 years later.”

Myer continued, “There’s some attempt to lie about it, making up cartels that don’t exist and saying Venezuelans are all narcoterrorists, but no one even buys it. It’s about oil. Trump says it’s about oil, Maduro says it’s about oil.”

The emcee for the event was Sarah Martin of Women Against Military Madness. Martin said, “I visited in 2018 when life was very difficult. Hyperinflation was on the decline but still making life very difficult. Products were beginning to appear on shelves but there were dangerous and life threatening shortages of medicine and food. And the U.S. was in the midst of once again trying to destabilize the regime. When we arrived the electrical system had just been sabotaged by the U.S. and there was a nationwide blackout which lasted for days. How did Venezuelans respond? They organized and worked together to make sure everyone got water and food and checked on their neighbors to be sure they were alright. They held block parties every night. Instead of demanding Maduro leave office, they marched in the millions in support of him.”

Tracy Molm of the Climate Justice Committee also spoke to the crowd about her time in Venezuela during the 2018 attempted coup by U.S. backed Juan Guido, “At the end of April 2019 I joined 4 million Venezuelans to celebrate May Day, International Workers Day. Four months prior, Trump, then in his first term, declared Juan Guido to be ‘president of Venezuela’ despite him being mostly unknown within the country. A day or two prior to May Day that year Guido attempted a coup that fell flat on its face.”

Molm continued, “While we were in Venezuela we met with government and local organizers who showed us the achievements they are working towards despite the U.S. intervention. A food program that is built to ensure that no Venezuelan goes hungry providing food staples to a large section of the population; active dialog tents that encourage people to come and discuss the pressing issues of the day; housing that has been provided to all people at low or no cost.”

The action was organized by the Minnesota Peace Action Coalition as a part of a week of action called by the United National Antiwar Coalition and the Anti War Action Network.

#MinneapolisMN #MN #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #AWCMN #MNPAC #UNAC #AWAN

St Paul, MN – Over 400 anti-war activists attended a three day conference organized by the United National Antiwar Coalition (UNAC) from April 5-7. The conference was held in Saint Paul with the theme “Decolonization and the Fight against Imperialism.”

Topics of the panels ranged from the U.S./NATO war in Ukraine, climate justice, sanctions, the U.S. encirclement of China, the struggle against U.S. imperialism in Africa, and organizing in solidarity with Palestine and its heroic resistance to Zionist occupation.

Friday night’s opening plenary from the Twin Cities Free Palestine Coalition highlighted the diverse support for Palestine from local movements of immigrants’ rights, labor, students, community control of the police, anti-war and Muslim organizations.

Cassia Laham of the UNAC administrative committee explained, “It was so inspiring to hear from leaders of the grassroots movements on the ground. Hearing from their firsthand experience leading and organizing mass mobilizations on behalf of the Palestinian cause was inspiring for all aspiring and current activists. Their analysis of the present resistance to genocide and occupation and they're hopefulness for a free Palestine left the audience filled with hope as well.”

Saturday morning’s plenary saw Husam Marajda from U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN) and Taher Herzallah from American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) condemn Israel's genocide in Gaza and its terror campaign throughout occupied Palestine.

Meredith Aby, an activist with the MN Anti-War Committee stated, “It was helpful to have Marajda and Herzallah give us their analysis about Israel’s attacks on Palestine and the tasks of the movement. Many of us in the room have been organizing protest after protest, week after week, so it was helpful to take the time to hear serious analysis of the regional and U.S. domestic impact of Israel’s genocidal campaign against Palestinians.”

The conference hosted a special international guest, the Nicaraguan ambassador to the U.S., Lautaro Sandino. He spoke about the numerous gains in improved livelihood and economic development the Sandinista government and Nicaraguan people have achieved in the face of U.S. intervention and sanctions.

Audari Tamayo, co-chair of Students for a Democratic Society at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, said after the panel, “Recalling his time as a guerrilla in the mountains, Lautaro Sandino, the Nicaraguan ambassador, urged us to resist and mobilize, and if we get tired, to mobilize again. Ambassador Sandino reminded us that creating change is no easy task and requires utmost effort, a sentiment shared by revolutionaries from around the world who dared to struggle and won. Nicaragua has stood proud in the fight against imperialism, and we will take the lessons learned by those who have been on the front lines and never get tired of mobilizing!”

Saturday afternoon's workshop on Palestine solidarity organizing across the U.S. shared stories from seven different cities. Organizers from Dallas-Fort Worth, New Orleans, Grand Rapids, Denver, Milwaukee, Tucson and Minneapolis discussed the successes and challenges in building mass movements in solidarity with Palestine.

“We are working to strengthen the Palestine solidarity movement by finding dynamic ways to organize in support for the united front of the Palestinian resistance,” explained Emerson Wolfe of Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids.

As other presenters covered topics on stopping Cop Cities, banning nuclear weapons, and explaining the U.S. imperial maneuvers to encircle and provoke a war with China, a plenary on defeating repression rounded out the program on Saturday.

From FBI entrapment of Muslims,to the FBI raids on the Anti-War 23, to the campaign to free Simon Trinidad, Hands Off Uhuru struggle and celebrating the victory of a freed Alex Saab, the crowd appreciated the sharing of experiences in defending our movements from repression in the final plenary of Saturday.

“As Dallas-Fort Worth Anti-War Committee members are facing charges for our work, it was very relevant to hear from people like the Anti-War 23 grand jury resisters and the Uhuru Movement members fighting back against political repression and to directly ask their advice,” explained Jo Hargis, of the Dallas-Fort Worth Anti-War Committee (DAWC).

The conference proved to be a consolidating moment for a movement that has seen a massive influx of young people from diverse backgrounds since October 2023, when Israel’s latest aggression on Gaza began. A unity resolution passed by the conference on its final day pledged to continue building protests in the streets for Palestine along with all countries targeted by U.S. imperialism and its proxies.

Conference attendees also unanimously agreed to support related progressive causes like immigrant rights, the fight against racist policing and militarized occupation inside U.S. borders, and freeing political prisoners.

#StPaulMN #TwinCitiesMN #MN #AntiWarMovement #International #MiddleEast #Palestine #UNAC #USPCN #SDS #MNAWC #AMPMN

Maple Grove, MN – On April 6, the Free Palestine Coalition held a rally and march of 100 people outside the Arbor Lakes shopping mall in Maple Grove to protest the upcoming installment of BAE Systems in the Twin Cities. Protesters wanted to highlight the role of BAE Systems in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza since October 7. BAE Systems makes the F-15, F-16 and F-35 fighter jets that Israel uses in their attacks on Gaza.

On March 18, the Maple Grove city council unanimously approved BAE Systems’ request for a $600,000 aid package to make soil corrections before their warehouse installment. The warehouse would be a 248,000 square foot project in the area of the U.S. Highway 169 and Interstate 94 junction.

BAE Systems is one of multiple weapons manufacturers the Minnesota State Board of Investments (SBI) has invested public sector worker pensions in. The MN Anti-War Committee has been leading a campaign to get the SBI to divest the over $3 billion it has invested in Israeli bonds and businesses and in weapons manufacturers that profit from the genocide of Palestinians.

Donia Abu, a student organizer with Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Minnesota, spoke to the crowd before the march to explain the importance of protesting against BAE Systems, “Since the siege on Gaza, BAE has been involved in providing the drones, jets, tanks, missiles and explosives used to bomb homes and kill Palestinians. Their weapons have also been used in the ongoing six-month genocide where the Zionist Israeli regime has murdered over 33,000 Palestinians.”

Abu has family in Gaza and many of her family members have been murdered by Israeli military attacks since October. The crowd was visibly moved by her personal story of her aunt’s recent death after surviving a missile attack and having multiple of her limbs removed.

Abu closed with, “Over the past six months I have been saying I will not let the murder of my family go in vain. I will not let the murder of over 33,000 Palestinians go in vain and that is why I am here today protesting this company. And as disgusting and frustrating this genocide has been, we must be steadfast in our efforts to protest and apply pressure, because every action we have taken to protest Israeli apartheid and Zionism is a step closer to liberation. Students at the University of Minnesota voted overwhelming in favor of BDS and for calling on the university to stop investing in companies like BAE systems and this is a step closer to liberation. Us being out here and protesting this company and letting them know that thousands of people do not approve the construction of this building is a step closer to liberation.”

At the end of the protest attendees were encouraged to attend the United National Antiwar Conference in Saint Paul, where many speakers from around the U.S. and Canada will discuss the growing moment of opposition to the genocide in Gaza. For more information go to unacconference2024.org.

#MapleGroveMN #MN #AntiWarMovement #International #MiddleEast #Palestine #BDS #SDS #BAE #MNAWC #UNAC #Feature

The U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (NAARPR), and National Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) call for a week of action against the U.S./Israeli genocide in Gaza from February 5 to 11.

The call for the week of actions comes at a time when President Biden states the U.S. is going to step up its military intervention in the Middle East.

A statement from the groups initiating the week of protests states, “The people of Palestine are fighting for their liberation and the people of Yemen are standing with them. The U.S. government is sending billions in military aid to Israel and bombing Yemen. We will never be silent. All of us who stand with Palestine and believe in liberation need to act. The genocide must be stopped!”

“Israel is being defeated on every level – politically, militarily, legally at the International Court of Justice, and in the court of public opinion – so we must continue to apply pressure from the belly of the U.S. imperialist beast,” said Hatem Abudayyeh, national chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network. “Genocide Joe Biden is on the ropes as well, and the week of action will do what we've been doing so powerfully for four months with our Black and brown coalitions in Chicago and beyond – expose Zionism and U.S. complicity in the genocide.”

Frank Chapman, executive director of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, states, “The recent decision by the UN International Court of Justice makes crystal clear the utter moral bankruptcy of the U.S./Israel axis waging genocidal war against the Palestinian people. Now more than ever we must demand that not another dime of our tax dollars be spent on a war being carried out by war criminals. It is clear now that a majority of the community of nations sees the U.S., Israel and their allies as perpetrators of war crimes, of crimes against humanity.”

Chrisley Carpio, of New Students for Democratic Society said, “The U.S. and its puppet, the Israeli government, are determined to fund and carry out a genocide of the Palestinian people. They will bomb Yemen, Iraq, and go to war with sovereign countries to maintain their criminal domination of the region. It's imperative that people in the United States do everything they can to damage this agenda, starting with calling for the end of all U.S. aid to Israel. Students across SDS are facing discipline, code of conduct charges, and other threats for opposing this genocide and for standing with Palestine. We won't stop now!”

Endorsers of the national week of action include the Samidoun Political Prisoners Network, National Students for Justice in Palestine, International League of Peoples’ Struggles – U.S., and the United National Antiwar Committee.

#AntiWarMovement #International #Palestine #Yemen #USPCN #NAARPR #SDS #Samidoun #SJP #ILPS #UNAC #Feature

Minneapolis, MN – On Tuesday, October 3, more than 20 people gathered outside the office of Minnesota State Senator Amy Klobuchar to demand an end to U.S. involvement in the war in Ukraine. The event was a response to a national call by the Peace in Ukraine Coalition and the United National Antiwar Coalition for activists all across the country to unite in demanding an end to U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine and U.S. Interference in negotiations.

Protesters held a banner reading “No to NATO! No to war!” and waved signs with slogans of “U.S. hands off Ukraine” and “No war with Russia! No war with China!”

Drake Myers of the Anti-War Committee opened the rally by explaining why Klobuchar's office was chosen as a target. “Klobuchar has been a supporter of war in Ukraine as far back as 2014,” Myers stated, describing her trip to Ukraine in that year, where she stood in support of a violent U.S.-backed coup was in the process of unseating Ukraine's elected government. “When Russia invaded Ukraine, Klobuchar said, 'This is going to be a long war,'” Myers said. “Why does she get to decide that? The U.S. should not decide that!” Klobuchar has continued to be a voice for increased U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine, fueling the war and delaying negotiation.

Sarah Martin of Women Against Military Madness spoke about the role of NATO as a tool of imperialism, detailing how NATO, under leadership of the U.S., waged “so-called 'humanitarian wars'” in Yugoslavia, Syria, Libya and Afghanistan that have left these countries “dismembered and impoverished.” She drew attention to the role that NATO played in stoking the current war in Ukraine, saying “Even Jens Stoltenberg, military head of NATO and war hawk if there ever there was one, recently admitted at an EU Parliament meeting that Putin went to war to prevent NATO, more NATO, close to his borders.”

Minnesota Anti-War Committee representative Andrew Josefchak spoke at the close of the rally, focusing on how U.S. interference has prolonged the war in Ukraine and resulted in greater death and destruction. “All wars end in negotiation,” said Josefchak, “But the U.S. and NATO, of which it is the de facto head, have done everything they can to sabotage negotiations. Every time Ukraine and Russia have been ready to go to the negotiating table – which they have been a number of times, the idea that Russia refuses to negotiate is a lie spread by the media – the U.S. has stepped in with yet another mountain of weapons and yet another false promise of total victory for Ukraine. We are here to demand that the U.S. stop blocking peace talks, stop all weapons shipments, and that when negotiations do begin, the U.S. keeps its blood-soaked hands out of it.”

The rally was hosted by the Minnesota Anti-War Committee (AWC), joined by Women Against Military Madness (WAMM) and Veterans for Peace Local 27.

The event ended with chants of “Fuck you NATO and your war, we won’t take it anymore!” and “What’s the biggest threat to world today? NATO and the USA!”

#MinneapolisMN #Ukraine #NATO #AWC #WAMM #VFP #UNAC

Milwaukee, WI – The Milwaukee Anti-War Committee (MAC) held a rally on Sunday, October 1, in response to a call from the United National Antiwar Coalition to condemn the funding the U.S. continues to provide to pursue their policy of an endless war in Ukraine. The rally took part in a coordinated week of action called for by UNAC on the war in Ukraine held in many cities. Chants like “Biggest threat in the world today? NATO and the USA!” rang out as passersby honked in support.

The event began with emphasis on recent history in Ukraine, starting in 2014 with the U.S.-backed coup. As Western media continues to frame the war as an irrational attack by Russia on an innocent and peaceful Ukraine, MAC continues to stress that this is an inter-imperialist war between the U.S. and Russia, orchestrated and set off by the insatiable greed for power and resources of the U.S.

Stephanie Splatin of MAC spoke of the years of shelling of ethnic Russians living in eastern Ukraine leading up to the war, conveniently ignored in the mainstream narrative of the war. The weapons used then and now are supplied by the U.S. and swiftly end up in the hands of right-wing extremist groups so often used to further U.S. interests at the expense of innocent lives.

“Neither U.S. weapons nor U.S. sanctions have had their intended effect against Russia. No longer able to impose its will through brute force, declining U.S. imperialism foments instability and proxy conflicts, which it attempts to steer toward its interests” said Ryan Hamann of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), who spoke at the event. “The U.S. is trying to use the war in Ukraine to destabilize Russia, while bringing Ukraine into the orbit of U.S. monopoly capital. This means prolonging the war for as long as possible, no matter the human cost.”

The Milwaukee Anti-War Committee and United National Antiwar Committee (UNAC) plan to continue to hold events in the future protesting the U.S. and NATO involvement in Ukraine, and offering a principled analysis of the war instead of the constant pro-war and pro-Ukraine views parroted by western media.

No to NATO! No to war!

#MilwaukeeWI #AntiWar #MAC #UNAC #Ukraine

Last week, an Iran-flagged tanker passed the Suez Canal, reportedly bound for Venezuela with a shipment of refined fuel. Despite having the largest proven oil reserves in the world, Venezuela’s refining capacity has been damaged by the U.S. embargo, greatly hindering its economy US officials have claimed that Venezuela has begun to purchase fuel from Iran directly with gold, thereby bypassing U.S. controlled imperialist trade mechanisms.

Four additional Iran-flagged tankers loaded with refined fuel are reportedly following the first. According to an anonymous U.S. official quoted by Reuters, the US “is considering measures it could take in response.” This comes against the backdrop of the large escalation of U.S. Navy presence in the Caribbean Sea ordered by President Trump in April, ostensibly to combat “narcotrafficking” but widely understood to be a military buildup specifically to threaten Venezuela.

U.S. military threats against these oil shipments pose a threat to the entire world. Coercive economic measures imposed by the U.S. on Venezuela and Iran already amount to acts of war against those nations. U.S. military action on the high seas to stop these fuel shipments would deepen the level of conflict and escalate it onto a global scale. It would also be an act of piracy, interfering with normal and perfectly legal trade between two independent nations.

A world where a hegemonic U.S. superpower acts unilaterally, arbitrarily, and with no accountability, is a world that is dangerous and unsustainable. UNAC believes that U.S. imperialism is the greatest obstacle to peace and social progress for humanity globally. Ongoing U.S. sanctions, provocations and terrorist plots against Venezuela and Iran are already acts of war against those nations’ people, but each further attempt threatens to bring about a new level of open violence.

UNAC stands in solidarity with Venezuela and Iran in their efforts to construct nations independent of U.S. imperialism and a world guided by the right of nations to self-determination. We demand that the U.S. ceases all militaristic rhetoric and actions toward Iran and Venezuela, including sanctions, and that it follows international law with regard to free and open seas. We call on our member organizations to unequivocally oppose US acts of aggression against Iran and Venezuela, and to continue laying groundwork for mass local actions in the event of military escalation.

#Venezuela #AntiwarMovement #PeoplesStruggles #UNAC

Minneapolis, MN – On January 16, about 40 people heard from local organizers who travelled to Ireland for the First International Conference Against U.S./NATO Foreign Military Bases, which took place November 16-18, 2018. Nearly 300 participants from over 35 countries attended the conference, calling for the closure of the nearly 1000 U.S./NATO military bases throughout the world.

The official communiqué adopted by participants at the conference stated: “NATO states’ military bases are the military expression of imperialist intervention in the lives of sovereign countries on behalf of the dominant, financial, political, and military interests, for the control of energy resources, transport roads, markets and spheres of influence, in clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.”

The all-woman Minnesota delegation to the conference included Sarah Martin, Carol Walker, and Sue Ann Martinson, all of Women Against Military Madness (WAMM), as well as Rhea Smykalski of the Anti-War Committee.

Special attention was called to the Guantanamo Bay U.S. base in Cuba; U.S. bases in Okinawa, Japan and in South Korea; the U.S. base at Ramstein, Germany; bases in Serbia; old and new U.S./NATO bases in Greece and Cyprus; the establishment of the new U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) with its military bases in Africa; the numerous NATO bases in Italy and Scandinavia; the Shannon airport in Ireland, which is used as a military base by U.S. and NATO; and the newly established bases by the United States, France and their allies on and around Syrian soil.

“The selection of Dublin and Liberty Hall for the conference was historically important and inspiring,” reported Sarah Martin of WAMM. “In their heroic liberation struggle against the English, the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin was pivotal. At that time, from Liberty Hall, the headquarters of the resistance, James Connolly issued a proclamation calling for the overthrow of the British occupation and an Ireland based on democracy, equality and neutrality.”

“However, the Irish government has betrayed this principle of neutrality,” Martin continued. “Beginning in 2003, Shannon Airport in the west of Ireland became a forward base for the war on Iraq as a transit point for soldiers and weapons. To this day, hundreds of U.S. soldiers pass through the airport every day – 6000 in 2017. Thanks to Wikileaks, the full extent of this shameful betrayal is known, including the use of the airport in renditions.”

Carol Walker of WAMM characterized the spread of U.S./NATO bases across the world as a continuation of U.S. policies since its westward expansion in the 19th century. “Ninety military bases, or forts, were used by the U.S. government to pursue domination and conquest of indigenous people,” she said. “So, we are on stolen land, as is all of the United States. And all these forts were very much ‘abroad’ at the time.”

Other attendees of the Dublin conference included Dr. Aleide Guevara, member of the Cuban National Assembly and daughter of Latin American revolutionary Che Guevara; Aengus Ó Snodaigh, member of the Irish legislature and Sinn Féin defense spokesperson; Mairead Maguire, Nobel Peace Prize recipient; and Ajamu Baraka of the Black Alliance for Peace and 2016 Green Party candidate for vice president of the United States. The conference declared its support for the global mass mobilizations against NATO’s 70th anniversary summit set to take place on April 4 in Washington, D.C.

Sarah Martin of WAMM concluded: “No country, no peoples, no government, can claim to be able to make decisions totally in the interest of their people, with foreign troops on their soil representing interests antagonistic to those of their peoples.”

#MinneapolisMN #AntiwarMovement #PeoplesStruggles #NATO #UNAC #Dublin #Bases

New York, NY – Over 1000 people gathered at Herald Square on Sunday, April 15, to rally against U.S. wars abroad and at home. The event was part of a national call for Spring Action, where anti-war groups came together to speak out against Trump’s attacks, as well as U.S. imperialism. The protest itself happened just days after Trump launched more missiles at Syria.

The speakers included veterans, students, labor activists and national liberation groups. Each gave their own perspective on why everyone should oppose U.S. wars. Many spoke to the amount of money spent on war, as opposed to social programs, and the importance of standing with people living in countries targeted by the U.S.

Michela Martinazzi from the Committee to Stop FBI Repression NYC stated “Whether you’re doing anti-gentrification work, whether you’re doing immigration work, whether you’re standing up for Palestine or the Philippines or Colombia, you are dealing blows to U.S. imperialism and they know that.”

After speakers fired up the crowd at Herald Square, the crowd marched to Trump Tower. Protest chants included “Hands off Syria!” “From Palestine, to the Philippines, stop the U.S. war machine!”

The protest was organized by the United National Antiwar Coalition and many others.

#NewYorkNY #AntiwarMovement #CommitteeToStopFBIRepression #UNAC

Pete Shell, one of the conference organizers said, “We advanced the organizing for the mass mobilization on NATO and the G8 in Chicago on May 20.” The opening speaker on Saturday morning was Joe Iosbaker, an activist from Chicago with the Coalition Against NATO/G8 War and Poverty Agenda (CANG8). Iosbaker called out, “If you’re going to Chicago to protest NATO, please stand.” Hundreds rose to their feet in response.

Over 150 people came from New York’s Muslim community, including South Asians, African Americans and Arabs. Malik Mujahid, a leader in UNAC, is also a founder of the Muslim Peace Coalition and has led UNAC to build the alliance between their community and the anti-war movement. There were also Filipinos, Colombians, Puerto Ricans and many other nationalities, but the Muslim community turned out in such numbers because the conference addressed the U.S. government’s war against Muslims. Marlene Jenkins and Shahina Parvee spoke about the FBI spending years entrapping their sons, who had done nothing to harm anyone. Judges refused to allow them to use evidence of entrapment in their defense cases, and both men received 15 year prison sentences.

Meredith Aby of the Committee to Stop FBI Repression spoke about being raided by the FBI in an investigation sparked by her anti-war organizing. “This conference took strong stands against political repression.” Showing that the anti-war movement won’t be intimidated, Aby continued, “I’m also excited that so many are organizing to march in Chicago against the U.S. and NATO wars in Afghanistan, Libya, and their threats of war against Syria and Iran. This will be the largest national anti-war protest in years.”

#StamfordCT #AntiwarMovement #CommitteeToStopFBIRepression #UNAC #CoalitionAgainstNATOG8WarPovertyAgenda #ChicagoNATOSummit #UnitedNationalAntiwarCoalition

Chicago, IL – Mayor Rahm Emanuel has again refused to guarantee the First Amendment right to protest in Chicago.

Organizers from the Coalition Against NATO/G8 War & Poverty Agenda (CANG8) met with city officials on Nov. 16. They were there with a message that Pat Hunt of CANG8 said was simple, “that the city publicly commit to provide…permits that meet the internationally recognized standard for the right to assemble; that we be within sight and sound…” of the meeting of NATO and the G8 in May, 2012.

Hunt continued, insisting that “Police Superintendent McCarthy refrain from making threats of mass arrests.” She was referring to the many times since July that Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy has announced in the press that Chicago’s 13,000 police officers are being trained to repress dissent when the generals, bankers and heads of state convene here.

Representing the city were officials from the permit office of the Transportation Department and Commander Debra Kirby of the Chicago Police Department, the police department point person for the NATO/G8 summit.

Andy Thayer of CANG8 pointed out that the business group that is the host committee for the NATO/G8 summit has been given $1 million in taxpayer money to prepare for the event. The representatives of the city wouldn’t even promise the activists that they would be permitted to gather in the Loop during the week of May 15-22, when the summit occurs.

In June when the summits were announced, a group affiliated with CANG8, the United National Anti-War Coalition (UNAC), submitted a permit application for Daley Plaza, one of the few large venues for protest in the Loop, as Chicago’s downtown is known. Last week, MB Real Estate emailed Joe Iosbaker, Chicago spokesperson for UNAC that, “Unfortunately we are not approving any permits for the use of the plaza May 15th-22nd.”

Iosbaker responded that, “We have the right to march against NATO’s wars, such as Afghanistan and Libya, and against the G8 agenda of imposing poverty on working people from Greece to Chicago.”

Joining CANG8 were speakers from the National Lawyers Guild, SEIU Local 73, the American Friends Service Committee and Pat Hill of the African American Police League. All committed to keep the pressure on the city for permits and to organize to bring tens of thousands of Chicagoans and others from around the country to march on May 15 and 19.

Iosbaker reminded everyone gathered, “Our front banner will read: ‘Jobs, Housing, Healthcare, Education, Pensions, the Environment, Not War’. This is what the 99% are going to march for.”

#ChicagoIL #AntiwarMovement #NATO #UNAC #G8 #NATOG8Summit #MayorRahmEmmanuel #CANG8 #UnitedNationalAntiWarCoalition

Chicago, IL – More than 200 activists from 73 organizations met at the Kent College of Law here, Aug. 28, to lay the groundwork for massive protests at the G8 and NATO summit is scheduled for May of 2012. The conference, initiated by the United National Antiwar Coalition (UNAC) served as the founding meeting of the “Coalition Against NATO / G8 War and Poverty Agenda.” Participants agreed that the meeting was a resounding success.

Joe Iosbaker, the Chicago spokesperson for UNAC, told attendees, “We have been running flat out since June to bring this meeting together to found both a national coalition and a local coalition against NATO and the G8, to say no to their wars and attacks on the lives of workers and oppressed people. This meeting today brings together over 70 organizations. We have key groups here – folks who played a leading role in the major anti-war and anti-corporate globalization protests in recent years; veterans of all the anti-war movements since Vietnam; as well as leading fighters in the community and labor struggles in Chicago. We have reached out broadly, gathering support from faith-based activists, from Arab and Muslim, African American, Puerto Rican and Chicano/Mexicano communities, and all the organizations in Chicago and across the country in the anti-war movement to build the largest protests possible in May.”

Iosbaker was one of the anti-war and international solidarity activists whose home was raided by the FBI on September 24, 2010.

Speaking of the protests planned for the Summit, Iosbaker stated “When we march on the McCormick Convention Center, our front banner will read, ‘Jobs, Housing, Healthcare, Education, Pensions, the Environment – Not War.’ We think that will speak for most people in this city, and we think that tens of thousands will join us to say ‘No to NATO/G8 and their War and Poverty Agenda.’”

#ChicagoIL #AntiwarMovement #NATO #JoeIosbaker #MeredithAby #UnitedNationalAntiWarCommittee #UNAC #G8 #NATOG8Summit

UNITED NATIONAL ANTIWAR COALITION STATEMENT ON CARLOS MONTES DEFENSE

The Federal Government escalated their attacks on trade union and antiwar activists on May 17 at 5 a.m. when the FBI and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s SWAT team broke down the door, high powered rifles drawn, and raided the home of Carlos Montes, a Chicano activist with over 40 years committed to building movements of working people and the oppressed. UNAC stands opposed to this coordinated federal and local government targeting of persons who are dedicated to organizing against reactionary bipartisan U.S. government policies that target U.S. immigrant workers and millions throughout the world whose countries have been ravaged by the U.S. military and foreign policy.

Montes is also an active supporter, along with UNAC, of the Committee to Stop FBI Repression, that formed in defense of The Midwest 23 and other progressives being swept up in this new McCarthy-style dragnet.

UNAC denounces the methods of terror and seizure to which Montes was subjected, tactics that mirrored those of the September 24, 2010 FBI raids against 23 union, antiwar, and solidarity activists: phones, computers, documents, photographs, and records related to Montes’ political activity were confiscated. Montes was arrested on a spurious charge of possessing guns, which he had legally registered. UNAC stands with CSFR in demanding that all of his property be returned and that the charges against him dropped.

On May 18, the day after the raid on Montes, the National Committee to Stop FBI Repression held a press conference to denounce the attacks against The Midwest 23 and Montes and to publicize the release of FBI documents left by agents during last year’s raid on Mick Kelly’s and Linden Gawboy’s apartment in Minneapolis. The documents revealed that the FBI was targeting activists who traveled to Columbia and Palestine, where movements— with whom UNAC stands in solidarity—are fighting the repressive governments of Columbia and Israel, both funded with billions in U.S. tax payer dollars. The documents also revealed that the FBI instructed agents to bring assault rifles and extra ammunition to the raid of Kelly and Gaboy’s apartment, and even arranged for paramedics to be on the scene. UNAC denounces these heave handed tactics from the FBI, which could have easily got someone hurt or killed. This unjustified assault on activists is clearly an attempt to frighten and intimidate activists.

The timing of the raid the day before the press conference can’t be passed off as coincidence; rather, it was a conscious attempt by the government to intimidate Stop FBI Raids committees, the antiwar movement, and now, the immigrant rights movement. The raid against Montes is a new phase of government repression insofar as it targets the very organization formed specifically to demand “FBI Hands Off!”

Moreover, the raid also marks the deployment of joint federal and local government repression against the antiwar movement—unprecedented in recent times—and mirrors the expanded attacks against undocumented workers by the collusion of repressive local and federal agencies operating under programs like the Clinton-era 287 (g) legislation and the current administration’s grossly misnamed Secure Communities program. It’s further proof that the government stands opposed to those who defend the victims of reactionary local, state and federal policy—foreign and domestic. UNAC reaffirms its demand that the government cease its raids and seizures; they are a clear attack on the entire antiwar movement and all organizations seeking social justice as well an end to U.S. wars of intervention around the world.

Immigrant rights and antiwar leaders in Chicago responded on May 25 to point up the real connection between this escalation of the witch-hunt against the antiwar and immigrant rights movements and the deportations of immigrants, which has increased under the Obama administration, surpassing Bush. It’s significant, also, that Montes played a leadership role during the Chicano Moratorium in the summer of 1970, when over 30,000 L.A. area Chicanos and undocumented workers mobilized in their own name against the Vietnam War. UNAC supports similar mobilizations of those in this country that bear the brunt of U.S. government attacks—immigrants, Muslims and people of color.

The raid against Montes came on the heels of U.S government (FBI and U.S. Attorney) investigation of Chicago area antiwar leader and Palestinian activist, Hatem Abbudayeh. It caused, according to his lawyers, “his bank to overreact and illegally freeze the Abudayyehs’ banking accounts that had been there for over a decade.” TCF bank has since returned his assets and refused to allow him to open another account.

The raids, grand jury, and ongoing harassment of these activists has nothing to do with “material support for terrorism.” The now 24 activists who have been raided and/or subpoenaed by the government are being targeted for their active and public opposition to U.S. foreign policy. The government is not only attempting to silence these activists, but to silence activists in all progressive social movements. The government is sending a message that McCarthy era witch-hunts are back, and activists beware. This makes it all the more important to stand with the targeted activists and show the government that we will not be intimated by its assault on those who speak out against injustice.

Danger continues to loom of federal indictments against the Midwest 23 for refusing to submit to the Federal Grand Jury. UNAC stands in full solidarity with these courageous activists as the government threatens jail time for their refusal to testify against others in the movements to stop war, Islamophobia, and attacks on workers, immigrant and otherwise.

UNAC stand in solidarity with those under government attack:

· Drop All Charges against Carlos Montes, and immediately return all of his property! · Stop Government Attacks on the Chicano and Immigrant Rights Movements! · Call Off the Expanding Grand Jury Witch Hunt and FBI Repression of Chicano, Immigrant Rights, Anti-War and International Solidarity Activists NOW! · Cancel the Subpoenas! Cancel the Grand Juries! Government Hands Off Chicano, Immigrant Rights, Anti-War and International Solidarity Activists!

#UnitedStates #FBI #CarlosMontes #UnitedNationalAntiWarCommittee #UNAC

Call For International Protests on the NATO War Makers

Chicago May 15 and 22, 2012

Dear friends,

An alliance of Chicago area peace and justice organizations, together with the United National Antiwar Committee (UNAC), are jointly calling for a united mass mobilization to protest the NATO and G8 Summits to be held in Chicago May 15 to 22. Permit applications were submitted for:

• Tuesday, May 15 – a national assembly to put the warmakers on trial.
• Saturday, May 19 – a major international demonstration to express broad outrage at the gathering of war makers wasting trillions of dollars on war and devastation during a time of enormous economic hardship and crisis for millions.

Several Chicago area groups have co-sponsored this call. The initial list is below. To add your group to the list of endorsers, email UNACpeace@gmail.com.

NATO is the US-commanded and financed 28-nation military alliance. There will also be a summit of the G-8 world powers. The meetings are expected to draw heads of state, generals, and countless others.

At a day-long meeting in New York City on Saturday, June 18, the United National Antiwar Committee’s national coordinating committee of 69 participants, representing 47 organizations, unanimously passed a resolution to call for action at the NATO meeting.

UNAC will mount a massive united outpouring in Chicago during the NATO gathering to put forth demands opposing endless wars and calling for billions spent on war and destruction be spent instead on people’s needs for jobs, health care, housing and education.

Initial List of Chicago Area Endorsers

• Hatem Abudayyeh, *US Palestinian Community Network, Chicago
• Bill Chambers, Committee Against Political Repression
• Sarah Chambers, Executive Board Member, Chicago Teachers Union
• Mark Clements, Campaign to End the Death Penalty
• Vince Emmanuelle, *Iraq Veterans Against the War
• Randy Evans, Global Reach, Inc.
• Chris Geovanis, Hammerhard Media Works
• Pat Hunt, Chicago Area Code Pink, Chicago Area Peace Action
• Joe Iosbaker, Committee to Stop FBI Repression
• Dennis Kosuth, *National Nurses United, union steward
• Kait McIntyre, Students for a Democratic Society, University of Illinois – Chicago
• Jorge Mujica, March 10th Immigrant Rights Activist
• Eric Ruder, *Chicago Network to Send US Boat to Gaza
• Newland Smith, Episcopalian Peace Fellowship
• Sarah Smith, Committee to Stop FBI Repression
• Students for Justice in Palestine at School of the Art Institute of Chicago
• Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, *Chicago Anti-Eviction Campaign
• Andy Thayer, Gay Liberation Network and Chicago Coalition Against War and Racism

*for identification purposes only

UNAC RESOLUTION TO CHALLENGE THE NATO WAR MAKERS

Whereas, the U.S. is the major and pre-eminent military, economic and political power behind NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), and

Whereas, the U.S. will be hosting a major NATO gathering in the spring of 2012, and

Whereas, U.S. and NATO-allied forces are actively engaged in the monstrous wars, occupations and military attacks on Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, the Middle East and elsewhere,

Be it resolved that:

1. UNAC, in conjunction with a broad range of groups and organizations that share general agreement with the major demands adopted at our 2010 Albany, NY national conference, initiate a mass demonstration at the site of the NATO gathering, and
2. UNAC welcomes and encourages the participation of all groups interested in mobilizing against war and for social justice in planning a broad range of other NATO meeting protests including teach-ins, alternative conferences and activities organized on the basis of direct action/civil resistance, and
3. UNAC will seek to make the NATO conference the occasion for internationally coordinated protests, and
4. UNAC will convene a meeting of all of the above forces to discuss and prepare initial plans to begin work on this spring action.

Passed unanimously by the National Coordinating Committee of UNAC on June 18, 2011

The following groups were at the UNAC meeting that endorsed this resolution:

• Action for a Progressive Pakistan
• Al-Awda Palestine Right to Return Coalition – NY
• Bayan-USA
• Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace
• Bail Out the People Movement
• Black Agenda Report
• Black is Back
• Boston Stop the Wars
• Code Pink
• Committee to Stop FBI Repression
• Ct. United for Peace
• Fellowship of Reconciliation
• Freedom Road Socialist Organization
• Green Party
• Haiti Liberte'
• Hampshire Students for Justice in Palestine
• Honduras Resistencia – USA
• International Action Center
• International Support Haiti Network
• International League of People’s Struggle
• International Socialist Organization
• Islamic Leadership Council of Metropolitan NY
• Jersey City Peace Movement
• May 1st Workers and Immigrant Rights Coalition
• Mobilization Against War and Occupation – Canada
• Metro West Peace Action
• Middle East Crisis Committee
• Muslim Peace Coalition
• New England United
• Nodutdol Korean Community Development
• Pakistan Solidarity Network
• Philly Against War
• Project Salam
• Rhode Island Mobilization Committee
• Rochester Against War
• SI – Solidarity with Iran
• Socialist Action
• Socialist Party USA
• Thomas Merton Center Pittsburgh
• United for Justice and Peace
• Veterans for Peace
• Voices for Creative Nonviolence
• West Hartford Citizens for Peace
• WESPAC
• Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
• Workers World
• World Can’t Wait

For more information:

Joe Lombardo, 518-281-1968, UNACpeace@gmail.com

Joe Iosbaker, 773-301-0109, joeiosbaker@gmail.com

#ChicagoIL #AntiwarMovement #NATO #UnitedNationalAntiWarCommittee #UNAC #G8