[pjw] EVENT: "2 Years of US War on Syria" Rally/March Fri 9/23 5 PM

[Peace and Justice Works]

Hello again Iraq Affinity Group supporters
As noted in several previous emails, we will be cosponsoring another PPRC 
Friday rally next week, September 23, to mark two years since the US began 
bombing Syria. As usual, the rally will start at 5 PM at Pioneer 
Courthouse Square (SW Yamhill & Broadway). Spread the word-- things are 
heating up in Syria despite the talks of cease-fire!

Please spread the word!
dan h
peace and justice works iraq affinity group

Peace and Justice Works
   Iraq Affinity Group
   PO Box 42456
   Portland, OR   97242
   (503) 236-3065  (Office)
   iraq at pjw.info
   http://www.pjw.info/Iraq.html

EVENT: "2 Years of US War on Syria" Rally/March Fri 9/23 5 PM


"2 Years of US War on Syria"
Rally/March for Peace and Justice
*Friday, September 23*
5:00 PM
Pioneer Courthouse Square, SW Yamhill and Broadway

Although the people rose up against a US invasion of Syria in 2013, one 
year later American warplanes (and drones) began bombing that country to 
attack members of the Islamic State, with the US and its allies overtly 
and covertly trying to undermine Syria's existing government. On Friday, 
September 23 Peace and Justice Works Iraq Affinity Group is co-sponsoring 
the weekly Portland Peaceful Response Coalition Friday rally at 5 PM at 
Pioneer Courthouse Square (SW Yamhill and Broadway) to demand an and to US 
military intervention in a rally titled "2 Years of US War on Syria."

Tensions with Russia over US policy have led to a de facto new Cold War, 
which could turn hot with Russian and American planes at odds about where 
and whom to bomb. The volatile mix has been made worse since the middle of 
August when Turkey began bombs and troop incursions into northern Syria to 
fight against the Kurdish militia there-- even though the Kurds are among 
America's strongest allies in the battle against ISIS in Syria (and Iraq).

In 2014, about 6 weeks after launching the war on ISIS in Iraq, the US 
also launched an unauthorized air war on Syria. Although President Obama 
pledged "no boots on the ground." at least 250 special forces are in Syria 
(Intercept 4/29).The low estimate of civilian deaths from the US and its 
allies since September 2014 is 773 (Airwars.org/ABC News 7/29). Civilian 
casualties increased after US policy changed from a zero civilian goal to 
"accepting up to 10 civilian casualties in any action" (Airwars.org 8/8).

A recent poll reported by the Washington Post (August 21) indicated that 
only 42 percent of Americans support sending troops to Syria-- but PJW 
wonders how many knew that 250 or more troops are already there. 52 
percent were in support of a "no-fly zone," even though the US instituting 
such an area in a sovereign country (especially with no UN mandate) would 
be a declaration of war.

PPRC has held weekly rallies for peace every week since early November 
2001 shortly after the invastion of Afghanistan. For more information 
contact Peace and Justice Works at 503-236-3065 or iraq at pjw.info.

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PJW also rallied against the third Iraq war on August 6 and 15 years of 
endless wars since 9/11 on September 9. The group is also planning to 
cosponsor another Friday rally in early October:

*Friday, October 7:*
"The Afghan Invasion 15 Years Later"

Even though the government of Afghanistan had nothing directly to do with 
9/11, the US began bombing the impoverished nation less than a month 
afterward. The war has never ended, with ongoing US military operations 
including airstrikes and drone raids, and a promised withdrawal of troops 
that has been scaled back and cancelled.