Anti-War Protests Against U.S. Preparations for Attack on Iraq - 2003-03-15

Another day of anti-war protests has begun, with large crowds gathering in major cities around the world to protest U.S. preparations for an attack on Iraq. Anti-war demonstrations are ongoing across the United States, following similar protests in other parts of the world against U.S. plans to attack Iraq. Meanwhile, organizers of a counter-protest claim that their demonstration does not support the war but rather supports American soldiers and President Bush's efforts to disarm Iraq. In Turkey, nearly five thousand people protested simultaneously as U.S. military equipment was unloaded from warships, protected by riot police. In Baghdad, thousands participated in a government-organized demonstration, pledging to defend Saddam Hussein against the U.S.-led attack. In London, hundreds of British Muslims marched in front of Islamic embassies, calling on their governments to oppose the Allies' pressure for war. Similar protests against the war took place in various locations around the world today, with organizers stating that more demonstrations are planned for tomorrow. Similar protests have also been reported in the Middle East and Russia.