_Interview with anti-war leader Meredith Aby _

Fight Back!: Many are saying that the occupation in Iraq is coming to an end. What is your view?

Minneapolis, MN – At an Aug. 9 press conference in front of Minneapolis City Hall, leaders of the Twin Cities peace and justice movement announced the route for the massive anti-war march that will take place if the Democratic National Convention (DNC) is held in that city. Activists had the march permits in hand, ready to be presented to city officials.

San Jose, CA – More than 80 people gathered at the San Jose Buddhist Church Oct. 22 to learn about U.S. Army First Lieutenant Ehrin Watada, the first commissioned officer to refuse deployment to Iraq. Lieutenant Watada’s father, Bob Watada, and his wife, Rosa Sakanishi, explained the Lieutenant’s opposition to the war, which is both illegal and unjust. Also in the program were Reverend Gerald Sakamoto of the San Jose Buddhist Church, Dennis Kyne, a veteran of the first invasion of Iraq in 1991, the singing group Anne and the Vets and Reverend Motoe Yamada of the Wesley United Methodist Church.

Charlotte, NC – At a press conference July 26, leaders of the North Carolina peace movement announced plans for a major anti-war march to coincide with the opening of the Democratic National Convention if it is held in Charlotte.

Albany, NY – The National Conference to Bring the Troops Home Now met in Albany, New York, July 23-25. Around 700 activists from across the country came together to discuss and debate how to build the anti-war movement and to plan for coordinated days of protest.

Minneapolis, MN – Leaders of the Twin Cities peace and justice movement announced plans for a major anti-war march to coincide with the opening of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) – if the convention is held in Minneapolis. The press conference took place July 22 in front of the Metrodome, a proposed site of the convention.

Minneapolis, MN – Twenty protesters picketed outside the Twins game on July 18 to protest the proposal for Minneapolis hosting the 2012 Democratic National Convention (DNC). The DNC site selection committee was rumored to be inside and thousands of Minnesotans saw signs like “We say NO WAR Party” as they went into the stadium. Minneapolis is one of four cities in running to host the convention. The protest was organized by No DNC, a local coalition.

Milwaukee, WI – Members of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) jumped into multiple parades here this past Fourth of July weekend. The students carried banners demanding education rights, and an end to U.S. occupation of Afghanistan. This marks the third consecutive year that Milwaukee SDS has made a presence in area of July 4 parades.

Minneapolis, MN – About 100 anti-war activists protested outside of the AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) annual meeting at the University of Minnesota on June 30 to oppose the U.S. unconditional support for Israel. The Coalition for Palestinian Rights organized the protest. This protest was a part of a series of protests organized in response to the massacre of the Gaza flotilla Memorial Day weekend.

Detroit, MI – Members of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) met June 24 at the U.S. Social Forum. There they discussed the state of the anti-war movement and their plans for future action on campuses and within communities.

_Whistleblower fears for his life _

In April 2010, a video leaked from top secret military files revealed a 2007 U.S. Army helicopter assault on Baghdad where eighteen civilians were murdered, including two journalists from the news agency Reuters. The video created international uproar over the brutality of U.S. war on Iraq and infuriated the Pentagon.

On Thursday, anti-war activists protested at Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar’s office to demonstrate against the Obama administration’s escalating war in Afghanistan. The Anti-War Committee of Minneapolis-St. Paul organized the protest.

Minneapolis, MN – More than 50 protesters gathered here, June 12, to condemn the Israeli massacre on human rights activists bringing aid to Gaza and to demand an end to the blockade of Gaza.

Asheville, NC – The University of North Carolina at Asheville Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) held a demonstration here, June 7, against the Freedom Flotilla murders committed by Israeli commandos. Protesters condemned the barbarity of the Israeli blockade against Gaza and recognized the brave people who were killed in their attempt to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Deadliest day on record this year for U.S./NATO occupation

Ten NATO occupation soldiers were killed by Afghan resistance forces on June 7, marking the deadliest day on record for the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan. Seven of those killed were U.S. soldiers. NATO reported that five troops were killed in an insurgent attack against a police training center, two soldiers were killed in a roadside bombing attack and one in a small arms attack. One day earlier, June 6, five NATO troops were killed in small arms fire attacks, a roadside bombing and a car crash. It is unclear if the car crash was related to a resistance attack.

Minneapolis, MN – Anti-war activists gathered here at May Day Books, June 6, for an anti-war event titled “New War Crisis in Korea?” The featured speakers were Mick Kelly, the editor of Fight Back! newspaper and Meredith Aby, a leader of the Anti-War Committee. The event was sponsored by May Day Books and the Anti-War Committee.

Milwaukee, WI – Over 200 people rallied here, for the second time this week, to protest Israel's massacre of the participants in Freedom Flotilla – a mission to bring aid to Gaza.

Chicago, IL – “One, two, three, four – Petach Tikva – no more! Five, six, seven, eight – take away their dinner plate!” The chant came from protesters outside the Hilton Hotel June 2 as the Chicago Sister City International's Consular Corps Ball was happening.

Chicago, IL – More than 3000 people gathered here, June 1, to picket the Israeli consulate in Chicago and to express outrage over the Israeli attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla.

Milwaukee, WI – 75 people rallied outside the Federal Building here June 1, condemning Israel's deadly attack on the Freedom Flotilla.