Washington, DC – Secretary of State John Kerry gave a speech on Aug. 26 that gives strong indications that the U.S. is preparing military attacks on Syria. Kerry stated that the government of Syria should be held responsible for the alleged use of chemical weapons near Damascus last week. The government of Syria is working with UN inspectors to determine what happened in the outskirts of Damascus.

Protest planned for Aug. 28

Minneapolis, MN – Peace activists in the Twin Cities are speaking out in opposition to military strikes against Syria.

Chicago anti-war leader says U.S. government lies to justify wars

Chicago, IL – Iran’s Brigadier General Massoud Jazayeri issued a blunt warning to Washington, Aug. 25, in response to U.S. moves to escalate its war on Syria.

Minneapolis, MN – The anti-war movement sees Chelsea Manning as a hero for exposing the truth of the brutality of U.S. warfare in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a result of her bravery in releasing classified documents that exposed U.S. war crimes to WikiLeaks, on Aug. 21 Manning was sentenced to military prison for 35 years.

Minneapolis, MN – About 50 supporters of WikiLeaks whistleblower Bradley Manning joined an emergency rally at the Federal Building here, Aug. 21, in response to Military Judge Denise Lind’s sentencing him to 35 years in prison. The protest was called by Free Bradley Manning-Minneapolis and was one of the many held across the U.S. sponsored or coordinated by the Bradley Manning Support Network.

Growing movement for boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel

Minneapolis, MN – On Sept. 19, activists with the Minnesota Coalition for Palestinian Rights will return to the downtown Minneapolis Target store, urging shoppers not to buy products from SodaStream. This will follow a successful Aug. 15 mobilization, where 30 people held signs, chanted and passed out informational flyers to hundreds of pedestrians.

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from BAYAN-USA. BAYAN-USA is an alliance of 18 progressive Filipino organizations in the U.S. representing youth, students, women, workers, artists, and human rights advocates.

Plans for regional anti-drone protest in Chicago

Minneapolis, MN – Meredith Aby of the Twin Cities-based Anti-War Committee condemned the escalating wave of U.S. drone strikes in Yemen, stating, “There have been eight drone attacks in the past two weeks in Yemen which have killed more than 30 people. The U.S. is waging an undeclared war in Yemen and increasing the anger at the U.S. for its use of drones on civilians. It is particularly insulting to our sisters and brothers in the Muslim world that this escalation of drone strikes has corresponded with the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid. The president claims these drone strikes make us safer, when in fact they do the opposite. The people of Yemen see these attacks for what they are – acts of imperialism.”

St. Paul, MN – 70 people gathered at Macalester Plymouth United Church here on July 27 to participate in a program called “60 Years After the End of the Korean War: Is the Korean War Really Over?”

St Paul, MN – More than 50 people gathered at the Wednesday Peace Vigil on the Lake Street/Marshall Avenue bridge, July 17, under the call “No U.S. war in Syria – war is not the answer.”

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Despite a flood advisory and severe weather warnings, over 15 people gathered outside the U.S. Federal Building in downtown on July 13 for a vigil in solidarity with those who have fallen victim to U.S. drone strikes abroad. The vigil served as the conclusion to an Anti-Drone Week of Action organized by the anti-war group People's Opposition to War, Imperialism, and Racism (POWIR).

Minneapolis, MN – The Anti-War Committee had a big presence at the Pride celebration held here, June 29.

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following resolution on Syria that was signed by many of the parties present at the 22nd International Communist Seminar. Freedom Road Socialist Organization was among the signers. Resolution on Syria

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from anti-war organizations calling for National Days of Action, June 28- July 17, to oppose the war on Syria. United Statement and Call for Action to Oppose U.S./NATO and Israeli War on Syria

Chicago, IL – Anti-war activists and Syrians again gathered in Federal Plaza here, June 25, to protest U.S. intervention in Syria. According to Kait McIntyre, “The Anti-War Committee of Chicago called a series of protests after President Obama announced he would be sending weapons to the rebels fighting the government of Bashar Assad.”

Milwaukee, WI – A coalition of anti-war groups held a rally against U.S. intervention in Syria June 21. Over a dozen activists chanted, “Money for jobs, not for war!” at the corner of Humboldt and Locust Street in Riverwest. They received support in the form of honks and peace signs from drivers of passing cars.

St Paul, MN – Holding signs and banners, about 40 people gathered, June 19, on Lake Street Bridge which spans the Mississippi River to say no to the growing U.S. war on Syria. Passing cars honked in support of their message.