For immediate release         August 28, 2020

Peace and Justice Works Iraq Affinity Group (IAG) is calling for three limited-attendance rallies for peace demanding an end to the US' ongoing foreign wars. On Fridays, September 25 and October 2 at 5 PM at the weekly rally for Peace and Justice held at the SW corner of Pioneer Courthouse Square (SW Yamhill and Broadway), the events will focus on the ongoing US presence in Syria (Sept 25) and Afghanistan (Oct. 2). On Tuesday, October 6, the IAG will join the weekly "Stand for Peace" at the east end of the Burnside Bridge (at Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd) from 4:30 to 6 PM to mark 19 years of the Afghan war and call for US troops to come home. The overarching theme for the three events is "US Out of Syria and Afghanistan!" Details for each event are below; participants are asked to wear masks and remain socially distanced, and to RSVP if possible to ensure the gatherings are no larger than 25 people.

Friday, September 25, 2020:
"US Hands Off Syria's Oil" September 23 marks 6 years since the US launched bombing attacks in Syria, ostensibly against the Islamic State. After President Trump claimed he would withdraw US troops on the ground, he re-stationed them to "protect Syria's oil fields." Neither Syria nor the UN has authorized the US presence. (Pioneer Courthouse Square, 5 PM)

Friday, October 2, 2020:
"Get US Troops Out of Afghanistan"

October 7 marks 19 years since the US invasion of Afghanistan in response to attacks by Al Qaeda, a non-state actor, on 9/11/2001. President Trump has negotiated with the Taliban, which currently is working with the Afghan government on a peace plan. America has no right to remain in the country, which is rich in natural resources but unable to stabilize due to over 30 years of international interference. (Pioneer Courthouse Square, 5 PM)

Tuesday, October 6, 2020:
"19 Years in Afghanistan: End the War!"

Peace and Justice Works has been coordinating the now nearly 19-year-long weekly rally for Peace and Justice each Friday since late March after Portland Peaceful Response Coalition, which began the rallies in November 2001, ended their formal sponsorship. For more information or to get involved contact the Peace and Justice Works Iraq Affinity Group at (503) 236-3065 or iraq@pjw.info. A flyer for this event can be found at < http://www.pjw.info/IAGrallies09_10_20.pdf>.