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Picture Credit: Headworks Internet Opposition to the War and Occupation in Iraq
Since September 2002, universities, trade unions, faith groups, NGOs and peace groups have mobilized against the US/UK led war and the occupation of Iraq, forming the biggest anti-war movement in history. This section follows global protests and public opinion on the war and occupation. See also our section on The Future of the Global Peace Movement, which covers this vigorous international movement and the global citizen solidarity that it reflects and builds.
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Anti-War & Occupation Protests | Decreasing Support for War and Occupation | Archive | Links
Anti-War & Occupation Protests
January 18, 2003
Hundreds of thousands of people marched in Washington
in protest against a US-led war on Iraq2008
Resistance Is Futile - Or Is It? (March 19, 2008)
In 2003, peace activists made protest history with 100,000 people marching in San Francisco, 1 million in London and 3 million in Rome. But the US, UK and Italy still went to war. On the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq, this article concludes that the prophecies from the street were correct. War in Iraq has been nasty, brutish and long: “Iraq after the invasion isn’t a stable democracy or shining beacon to anyone in the new generation of jihadis Bush created.” The anti-war movement has succeeded in mobilizing a disenchanted public on a scale comparable to Vietnam War protests. (San Francisco Bay Guardian)2007
Frustration Marks Another War Anniversary (March 19, 2007)
Four years after the US-led invasion of Iraq, the anti-war movement shows no signs of dwindling, reports this Inter Press Service piece. Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets across the United States and around the world, rallying against increased funding for the occupation of Iraq, amongst other things. Although the situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate, many activists remain “cautiously optimistic” that the peace movement will remain a strong driving force for change.Anti-War Marches Draw Hundreds of Thousands (January 28, 2007)
Peace activists gathered in Washington D.C. for what organizers called the largest anti-war rally since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. Protesters included war veterans and active duty US soldiers opposed to the war, as well as anti-war members of the US Congress. Several demonstrations took place simultaneously across the country, signaling the growing unpopularity of the Bush administration’s strategy in Iraq – particularly the plan to increase US troops. (Inter Press Service)Whither All The War Protesters? (January 19, 2007)
This Christian Science Monitor piece compares opposition to the 2003 US-led war in Iraq and ensuing occupation to anti-war activism during the Vietnam War. The article rejects the notion that the anti-war movement is dying and, instead, suggests that the less overt forms of protest nowadays, including weblogs, e-mail and online petitions, reflect technological advances. Further, the author states that, compared to the Vietnam War era, public opposition to the Iraq war grew more rapidly – and began at an earlier stage.2006
Anti-War Movement Deserves Some Credit (November 28, 2006)
This San Francisco Chronicle piece analyzes the anti-war movement in the US and its influence in mobilizing a majority of the public to oppose the continuing US occupation in Iraq. The author argues that, despite a decline in traditional “peace movement” activities, such as lobbying, petitioning, and protesting, anti-war sentiment in the US remains high. Recent polls show that the majority of US citizens believe the Iraq war was a mistake and support a withdrawal of US troops.I Heard You, Malachi (November 9, 2006)
This piece from the Independent Media Center details the death of Malachi Ritscher who self-immolated (set himself on fire) in Chicago, Illinois on November 3, 2006 in protest of the 2003 US-led war in Iraq. The author discusses the lack of US-media coverage for Ritscher’s death and compares it to abundant media coverage that the immolations of Buddhist monks received during the Vietnam War.World Demonstrations Strengthen Iraqis (March 29, 2006)
After three years of the US-led occupation, life in Iraq remains dire. Military operations continue and most Iraqis lack basic services. Nonetheless, Inter Press Service reports, Iraqis appreciate the solidarity of anti-war demonstrators in the US and around the world. Anti-war protests “are a great help for Iraq and for justice” one Baghdad resident remarked, and help to solidify Iraqi resistance to the occupation.2005
Thousands in US Protest Iraq War, Globalization (September 24, 2005)
An estimated 300,000 protestors turned out in Washington, DC, in what was the largest gathering of anti-war activists since 2003. While the majority of participants marched against the US occupation of Iraq, activists also addressed a number of other causes, including the campaign to end global poverty and the campaign for economic justice. Rather than signify divisiveness, however, the myriad of causes represented the diversity of the protestors. (Reuters)Anger and Grief Mark Second Anniversary of Iraq War (March 20, 2005)
Thousands of protesters participated in over 800 events across the US to demand an end to the Iraq occupation, two years after the war started. The protests also included a preview of new campaigns against what several citizens believe could be an inevitable draft. As US President George Bush defended his policies in a radio address, activists warned that the administration cares more about profits and the arms industry than global freedom. (Inter Press Service)Europe Marks Anniversary of Iraq Invasion (March 19, 2005)
The Associated Press reports that “tens of thousands” of activists turned out across Europe to mark the Iraq war’s second anniversary, with London drawing the largest crowd of between 45,000 and 100,000. Millions of people united in 2003 to protest the war itself, but now protesters cannot seem to agree on their demands—especially in regards to troop withdrawal.Thousands Protest Over Bush Visit to Germany (February 24, 2005)
Despite “draconian security measures,” over 7,000 protesters took to the streets in Germany as US President George Bush made his first visit to the country since the Iraq war started. German citizens overwhelmingly have opposed the US-led intervention in Iraq and Bush’s methods to “promote democracy.” (Independent)2004
APEC Summit Triggers Scattered Protests Around Chilean Capital (November 20, 2004)
The Asian-Pacific Economic Forum in Santiago, Chile triggered protests against US President George Bush and the Iraq war as well as against the summit itself, considered by some activists as “a rich man’s club that does nothing for the poor.” A 25,000-40,000 person government-authorized march was for the most part peaceful, though police did use tear gas and water cannons in other protests around the city. (Associated Press)‘Resistance’ Call at Anti-War Rally (October 17, 2004)
An anti-war rally held at the end of the European Social Forum in London brought together several European NGOs who collectively demanded fair Iraqi elections and an end to the occupation. (Inter Press Service)40,000 Protest Bush in Turkey (June 27, 2004)
US President George W. Bush’s Turkey visit was preceded by a series of protests and bomb blasts. In Istanbul and Ankara tens of thousands of Turkish and international protesters demonstrated against the Iraq war and the NATO summit. (CNN)Thousands in Ireland Protest Bush Visit (June 25, 2004)
Thousands of activists in Ireland came together to protest the Iraq war, denouncing US President Bush as a warmonger. The protesters called for an end to Iraq-bound US military flights through Shannon Airport, a strategic refueling point for US troops. (Associated Press)Demonstrators Seek Removal of US-Led Forces from Iraq (April 11, 2004)
Lashing out at Iraq’s invasion and corporate occupation, protesters in Washington demanded the withdrawal of US-led forces from the country. (Washington Post)From Spain, Eyes Turn to Italy (March 20, 2004)
Global protests marking the first anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq brought hundreds of thousands to the streets in Spain and Italy. Protesters in Spain connected the March 11 train bombings with the war in Iraq, carrying banners saying, "For all the victims, get the occupation troops out." (Inter Press Service)Iraq War Protesters Name Hundreds Lost (March 16, 2004)
Anti-war protests in Washington and other parts of the US set to mark the first anniversary of the Iraq war on March 20, 2004. In Washington, activists criticized the Bush administration for keeping the human toll of the war from public scrutiny. (Washington Post)Thousands in Spain Rally over Iraq (February 15, 2004)
Thousands of protesters demonstrated in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, demanding an end to the US-led occupation of Iraq. The protest aimed to send a strong message to Prime Minister José Maria Aznar, a strong ally of the US in the Iraq war, ahead of Spain's March 14 general elections. (Associated Press)
Archived Articles Public Opinion: Decreasing Support for War and Occupation
Also see GPF's page on Iraqi Public Opinion Polls
2007
Global Poll: Majority Wants Troops Out of Iraq Within a Year (September 6, 2007)
According to a BBC World Service poll, the majority of US and international public opinion indicates US forces should leave Iraq within a year. Of the 22 countries surveyed in the poll, a majority of respondents in 19 of those countries want the US out of Iraq, but few think this will happen. The survey also finds 49 percent believe the US plans to keep permanent military bases in Iraq. Doug Miller, the director of GlobeScan who coordinated the poll, says the majority of global public opinion “is opposed to the Bush administration’s current policy of letting security conditions in Iraq dictate the timing of US troop withdrawal.” (World Public Opinion)Muslim Public Opinion on US Policy, Attacks on Civilians and al Qaeda (April 24, 2007)
This World Public Opinion poll conducted in four predominantly Muslim countries finds that the majority of people polled want US forces to leave the Middle East. Additionally, a large majority of respondents believe undermining Islam and spreading Christianity is a key goal of US foreign policy in the region.US Public’s Support of Iraq War Sliding Faster Now (March 20, 2007)
A number of polls indicate that an increasing majority of those who backed the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 now “regret” that decision, 14 percent more than those who still defend it. This Christian Science Monitor article points out that public sentiment about the conflict often centers on the perceived costs and “benefits” of a continued US presence in Iraq. Further, while some events in Iraq may have temporarily – and only slightly – boosted support for the war, more and more people realize that such events have taken place “against a steady backdrop of bad news all the time.”Majority in Poll Favor Deadline for Iraq Pullout (February 27, 2007)
A Washington Post – ABC News poll reveals that the majority of US citizens favor setting a deadline for withdrawing US forces from Iraq and putting new conditions that could limit the number of personnel available for duty in the country. Among those who supported a timetable, 24 percent said they would like the US forces to leave Iraq within six months and 21 per cent called for the withdrawal within a year. Further, two into three US citizens oppose the US troops surge and 67 percent disapprove of President George W. Bush’s handling of the Iraq War.2006
British and Canadians Criticize Leaders for Following US Lead (August 9, 2006)
A British poll revealed that 63% of voters would prefer “greater distance” between the Bush and Blair administrations. Meanwhile, 52% of voters in a Canadian poll call for a withdrawal of their troops from Afghanistan, a six point increase from March 2006. Despite strong initial support, the polls indicate that a large majority of British citizens and Canadians now question their governments’ “indefinite commitment” to US-led missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. (World Public Opinion)Opponents of Iraq War Rally around Lt. Watada (June 27, 2006)
While courting the press to shield himself from the army’s potentially stiff punishment for refusing to serve in Iraq, Lieutenant Ehren Watada has emerged as a new figure for the anti-war movement. Organizations such as Courage to Resist seek “to stop the Iraq war by focusing on those ordered to wage it” and mobilize army resisters. Although military dismiss the influence of the Watada case, peace activists observe that the number of deserters has grown tremendously since the Iraq war began. (Seattle Times)Thinking Strategically: Challenges Facing the Anti-War Movement (April 6, 2006)
With the bulk of public opinion opposing the war and occupation of Iraq, the anti-war movement needs to transform into action and push for a change in policy. The future of the movement lies in educating the diverse range of activists to “articulate and defend” an exit strategy. (ZNet)The Logic of Withdrawal (March 20, 2006)
After three years of war in Iraq, a majority of both Iraqi and US citizens disapprove of the occupation and favor a timetable for withdrawal. Nonetheless, the anti-war movement has lost some of its luster and faces a “massive propaganda campaign” in support of the war. In this article, Anthony Arnove of ZNet confronts the idea that the US must “stay the course,” arguing that the anti-war movement must remain strong in demanding an immediate withdrawal. The US had no right to invade Iraq to begin with, Arnove argues, and has since failed to “bring” democracy or prevent civil war in Iraq.World Public Says Iraq War Has Increased Global Terrorist Threat (February 28, 2006)
A new global poll which surveyed 35 countries reveals the majority favors an early withdrawal from Iraq, but this is partially dependent on whether Iraq’s government requests forces to stay. The report provides regional and country specific breakdowns, also singling out countries that have forces in Iraq. 60% of people 33 out of 35 countries believe that the war in Iraq has increased the likelihood of terrorist attacks. Nearly all countries reject the notion that the war in Iraq was an effective part of the war against terrorism. (BBC)2005
Why This Unpopular War Has No Tipping Point (November 1, 2005)
The US public’s intense reaction to the death of the 2,000th US soldier in Iraq suggests that the event succeeded in turning public opinion against the war. To the contrary, John Mueller of the Ohio State University argues, this war has been, and will remain, unpopular for a long time. The “steady drumbeat of carnage” can not be reversed, and will continue to erode public support for the war until the US Congress takes action to end it. (Christian Science Monitor)2,000th Death Marked by Silence and a Vow (October 26, 2005)
Two thousand US soldiers have died in Iraq since the war began. The high human toll in Iraq affects the US public’s approval of war, and of President George Bush. Only 38 percent of Americans approve of Bush’s handling of the war, and approximately the same low percentage approve of Bush’s overall job as president. Even in the face of this mounting opposition, Bush stated that the US must “complete the mission” in Iraq in order “win” the “war on terrorism.” (Washington Post)Resisting Iraq Fatigue (June 23, 2005)
According to polls, US citizens are growing increasingly dissatisfied with the situation in Iraq and are calling for prompt troop withdrawal. However, US Vice President Dick Cheney alleges that the Iraqi insurgency is at its “last throes,” and affirms that troop levels will remain steady. As domestic support declines, the Bush administration hopes to garner support for the war at an international summit. (Foreign Policy Association)Poll Finds Dimmer View of Iraq War (June 8, 2005)
A Washington Post-ABC News poll reveals a very high level of pessimism among US citizens: a record 52% of the public says that the country has not become safer after the war in Iraq, and 75% find the rate of US casualties in Iraq unacceptable. As support for US presence in Iraq continues to decline, it appears unlikely that “upbeat administration rhetoric” will change public opinion.2004
Opposition to Iraq War at New High (November 9, 2004)
A London Times survey reveals that 57% of Britons oppose military action in Iraq compared to 31% who support it, though the same poll in April 2003 revealed a majority favored the war. British Prime Minister Tony Blair has exhibited staunch resolve in leaving troops in Iraq, and his Labour Party now holds only a 1% difference in support over the Conservatives. (Reuters)US Image Slides, but Americans Popular (October 16, 2004)
According to polls, a majority of citizens from 10 countries harbor declining opinions of the US—on average, 57%—from two to three years ago, as well as an overwhelming dislike for US President George Bush and his war policies. However, the results showed that the animosity was limited mainly to the government: an average 68% of those surveyed still hold a favorable view of US citizens. (Associated Press)Most Britons Want Iraq Pullout Deadline: Poll (September 21, 2004)
A Guardian poll shows 70 percent of UK citizens questioned on the withdrawal of British troops from Iraq want Prime Minister Tony Blair to set a date for the return of the 8,500-strong military contingent. A similar poll found that 45 percent of those interviewed were convinced that British troops should stay in Iraq “for as long as necessary.” (Reuters)82 Percent of Iraqis Oppose US Occupation (May 13, 2004)
80 percent of Iraqis lack confidence in the Coalition Provisional Authority, and 82 percent disapprove of the United States and allied militaries in Iraq, according to a poll conducted before the detainee-abuse scandal. (Washington Post)Bush Slip Began After Weapons News (February 7, 2004)
An Annenberg opinion poll shows that support for the war in Iraq further declined soon after David Kay, a top adviser on the search for weapons of mass destruction, announced he did not believe “Iraq had large stockpiles of chemical or biological weapons” in January 2004. (Associated Press)
Links
Rooting Out Evil
Vote No War
Not In Our Name
International Answer
Non-Violence.org
No War on Iraq Liaison
United for Peace
Peace Action
Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq
Contact US Representatives
American Friends Service Committee
Religious Groups' Statements Against War
UK Stop the War Coalition
Iraq Crisis Antiwar
Iraq Peace Pledge
War Times
Education for Peace in Iraq Center
Move On
Petition Bush to let the inspections work
Waging Peace
End the War
More Information on NGOs
More Information on the Iraq Crisis
More Information on Advocacy Methods for NGOs
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