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Thousands of demonstrators from Tokyo to Washington took to the streets last fortnight, to mark the fourth anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq, urging an immediate pullout from the war-torn country. “The national anti-war movement is planning a unified surge of protest actions calling on Congress to end the occupation and for the immediate withdrawal of US troops,” United for Peace and Justice group said in a statement reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
United for Peace and Justice, which describes itself as the largest anti-war coalition in the United States, said the protesters turned up en masse to mark the fourth anniversary of the US-led Iraq invasion. Massive anti-war rallies were also organised in San Francisco, Portland, Oregon, and Seattle.
The Iraq war has grown increasingly unpopular, with recent polls showing that a majority of Americans now believe the invasion was a mistake and want the US government to set a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. US President George W. Bush invaded Iraq in March 2003 on the grounds that it had weapons of mass destruction. A later US presidential report revealed that the administration was “dead wrong” on Iraq’s alleged WMDs and its officials made the case for invading the oil-rich country despite intelligence doubts and strong voices of dissent.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators had marched to the Pentagon’s doorstep demanding “US out of Iraq Now.” On a stage in the Pentagon parking lot, speaker after speaker demanded the end of the US occupation and some called for Bush’s impeachment. A flag-draped coffin was displayed near the stage bearing a picture of a young soldier killed in Iraq. Former US attorney general Ramsey Clark called for Bush’s impeachment. “Impeach Bush, impeach Cheney, impeach Gates,” chanted one woman in the cheering crowd. One sign read, “The worst tyrants ever: Napoleon, Hitler and Bush.” Others read, “Jail to the chief” and “Impeach Bush for war crimes.”
Protesters blew whistles and carried placards bearing slogans critical of Bush, such as “Worst President Ever” and “It’s time for regime change in Washington.” A smattering of celebrities were also marching in the crowd, including veteran actor and peace activist Martin Sheen and actress Maria Bello.
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