Protesters Plan Rallies Against U.S. Intervention in Syria

Photo via Flickr.com/eneuman

Hundreds of people are planning protests in cities and towns across Massachusetts, as part of a national movement, in opposition of U.S. or NATO intervention in Syria.

As the U.S. continues discussions about a possible missile strike in Syria, anti-war groups are asking that the officials steer away from an “illegitimate war of aggression,” and are calling on President Barack Obama to cease all threats against the country.

“We are demanding that the People of the United States are not strapped with the burden of another war, a burden that that we bear through our taxes and blood,” according to organizers of the group “No War With Syria,” one of three groups in Massachusetts that made plans to gather and speak out against the threat of Syrian intervention, and possible bombing, on Saturday.

Groups are also meeting in Springfield, and New Bedford. The group organizing to rally in Boston currently has nearly 500 people confirmed for attendance.

The rally, which will be held on Boston Common, and will include a march to Faneuil Hall and then back to Park Street, will be joined by members of the Massachusetts Pirate Party, Revolution is Evolution, MassOps, United for Justice with Peace, and Committee for Peace and Human Rights.

The collective groups said Saturday they are gathering “for a display of our discontent over the looming war with Syria, in conjunction with protests happening through the USA and around the world.” The group made plans to meet at 1 p.m. For more information about the march, visit their Facebook page. 

On Friday, President Obama said he was considering taking action against Syria, after his administration accused President Bashar Assad’s regime of using chemical weapons against civilians, killing thousands of people. The administration released documents last week as “proof” that they had “high confidence” Syria had carried out the chemical weapons attack. “I have said before, and I meant what I said, the world has an obligation to make sure we maintain the norm against the use of chemical weapons,” Obama said Friday, adding that he has had military officials look at a wide-range of options, including working with foreign allies.

Obama said there would be no military action that would lead to “boots on the ground,” or a “long-term campaign” in Syria, involving American troops, however, he said there is the possibility of a narrow act of military strikes that would help make sure that not only Syria, but others around the world, in the international community, maintain the ban on chemical weapons use.

For a breakdown on the conflict in Syria, and the ongoing discussion with U.S. officials considering intervention, read the Washington Post‘s guide, called “9 Questions About Syria You Were Too Embarrassed to Ask.”