Fight Back News Service is circulating the following speech given by Joe Iosbaker to the Sept. 29 Chicago conference against drone warfare. Iosbaker, a member of the Chicago Anti-War Committee, was one of the main organizers of the massive march on the NATO Summit. He is also one of the anti-war and international solidarity activist raided by the FBI in 2010. Introduction

Chicago, IL – 200 people marched against Boeing Company on Sept 28. Many participants and organizers from that march met for a conference the following day to share skills, experiences and knowledge that will help strengthen the movement against drone warfare.

Chicago, IL – Anti-war activists from six Midwest states are gathering in Chicago, Sept. 28 to oppose drone warfare. Their target: Boeing Company.

Chicago, IL – Chanting, “Bombs won’t bring peace, U.S. Out of the Middle East,” 30 people gathered on a downtown street corner here, Sept. 12, to keep the pressure on the Obama White House. According to Hatem Abudayyeh of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network – Chicago, “Although President Obama said on Tuesday that the U.S. will now take the diplomatic plan developed by Russia, we believe that the U.S. drive to war has not ended, and our response remains the same: No war on Syria.”

Chicago, IL – Chanting, “Hands off Syria! No new wars!” a rally of 600 people gathered in Federal Plaza on Sept. 7 to demand that Congress vote no on U.S. military intervention. The Anti-War Committee-Chicago called the event, joined by the ANSWER Coalition of Chicago and the Syrian American Forum. The crowd also heard passionate speakers from U.S. Palestinian Community Network, Iraq Veterans Against the War, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 2858 and the American Friends Service Committee.

Chicago, IL – Over 300 people rallied and marched here, Aug. 29, to say, “Hands off Syria!” in response to the U.S. threat of a military attack. Half of the people present were Syrians of all backgrounds – Christians and Muslims, Assyrians and Arabs.

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.

Chicago, IL – 60 youth from the Arab American Action Network (AAAN), along with their supporters, held a rally and march here, Aug.15, to demand an end to racial profiling of Arabs and Muslims and and end to the criminalization of all communities of color. The youth who organized and led the protest reminded onlookers that harassment, surveillance and infiltration by the FBI and its local counterparts doesn't just happen in New York City and California, but is widespread in Chicago.

Barry Jonas prosecuting men for their efforts in 2008 and 2009

Chicago, IL – Federal charges were unsealed against two Chicago men, Aug. 6, for allegedly violating U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe. The charges claim that Ben Israel and Greg Turner assisted Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe and others in an effort to lift the unjust economic sanctions. The government claims that Israel and Tuner were promised payment for their lobbying and consulting work in 2008 and 2009.

Chicago, IL – A forum was held here, Aug. 3, about U.S. Intervention in Syria. Sponsored by the March 19th Coalition, it included speakers from the ANSWER Coalition and the Syrian American Forum.

Chicago, IL – On July 20, at the Federal Plaza here, almost 3000 people, the vast majority African American, protested in anger at the not guilty verdict in the murder of Trayvon Martin.

Chicago, IL – On July 14, over 400 protesters gathered in downtown here to demand justice for Trayvon Martin after his killer, George Zimmerman, was acquitted. This protest came after a 200 person emergency response rally the evening before. Demonstrators demanded, “Not one more! Justice for Trayvon Martin!”

Chicago, IL – Dr. Matar speaks for the Syrian American Forum July 2, as people gathered here, for a third week in a row of protests, to say, “Hands off Syria! No new wars!”

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.”

Chicago, IL – The Obama administration announced it will arm the Syrian opposition and the U.S. military has made plans to set up a No Fly Zone over Syrian territory. The Anti-War Committee – Chicago (AWC) opposes these measures to escalate the conflict which has already cost 93,000 lives.

Chicago, IL – On a clear, sunny day here, June 7, over 150 supporters of striking Walmart workers gathered outside the downtown Walmart store. Speakers condemned Walmart's greed, low pay and harsh conditions at its stores in the U.S. and around the world.