Nation gathers against war

An estimated half million protesters gathered this weekend in Washington, DC to demonstrate against a potential war between the US and Iraq. The rally, sponsored by the International A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism) Coalition, was supported by protests in San Francisco and in over 30 other countries.

Although there was no official organized Tufts group at the rally, many Tufts students attended on their own _ going either in buses sponsored by A.N.S.W.E.R., Boston Mobilization, or by carpooling.

Senior Sivan Ilamathi, who drove with three other friends to attend this weekend's event, felt that the protests were hugely successful in demonstrating, "that there is a sizable demographic out there that is opposed to the current course of action."

Another Tufts protester, senior Katherine Regan "chose to go because, although I don't agree with the current regime in Iraq, I don't believe that the US has the right to go in a unilateral way."

She emphasized that the rally was extremely peaceful, especially given the variety of groups that were in attendance. "There were all sorts of people," said Regan, "and even though they had different agendas, they all came together."

Ilamathi went in order to, "participate in something that was going to be a big opposition to the war," although he admitted that he does not, "think it's going to necessarily change the administration's short term goals."

The protest, which was organized to coincide with the Martin Luther King holiday, included British band Chumbawamba, and singer Patti Smith.

Noted speakers such as Reverend Jesse Jackson and civil rights activist Mahdi Braywere were, "really great," Ilamathi said.

The A.N.S.W.E.R. coalition was formed to call for worldwide rallies against war and racism. "The US government is attempting to curb civil liberties and to create a climate in which it is impossible for progressive people to speak their mind," the coalition states in a mission letter. "Now is the time for all people of conscience, all people who oppose racism and war to come together. If you believe in civil liberties and oppose racism and war, demonstrate around the world."

There were many Tufts students who were not able to make it to the protest, but nevertheless feel strongly on the issue. "There is no legitimate reason to attack Iraq," sophomore Adam Aslan said. "I think this war is something for newspapers and television to direct their attention away from real problems, like the economy."

An editorial strongly in favor of the protest was published in Monday's New York Times and said that protestors represented, "what appears to be a large segment of the American public that remains unconvinced that the Iraqi threat warrants the use of military force at this juncture."