Anti War Committee banner at December 5 Protest (Fight Back! News/Staff)

Mel Reeves of the Minnesota Coalition for a People's Bailout speaking at December 5 protest.

Minneapolis, MN – More than 200 people joined a demonstration here, Dec. 5, to show opposition to the escalation of the U.S. war in Afghanistan announced by President Obama.

The protest took place at Hiawatha Avenue and Lake Street, one of the most heavily trafficked intersections in Minneapolis. Participants lined the sidewalks with signs and banners protesting against the escalation. There were also brief talks by representatives of the sponsoring organizations.

Organizations participating included the Anti-War Committee, Military Families Speak Out, Iraq Peace Action Coalition, Twin Cities Peace Campaign-Focus on Iraq, Women Against Military Madness, Youth Against War & Racism and others.

A statement issued by Twin Cities anti-war organizers says in part, “The war in Afghanistan has never been the ‘good war,’ it has never been about fighting terrorism, but has always been an effort to increase U.S. military and political domination in the region. More U.S. troops will not bring about peace, justice or development, but only more destruction.”