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Hundreds of Thousands Worldwide Protest Against Military Attack on Iraq - 2003-01-19

Feb 11, 2026 February 11, 2026 1 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Hundreds of thousands protested globally against a potential U.S. military attack on Iraq, condemning the Bush administration's policies. Demonstrations took place in Washington and other cities, with significant public opinion showing a preference for peaceful resolutions over military action. This reflects widespread concern about the implications of war.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Global protests underscored widespread opposition to U.S. plans for war with Iraq, emphasizing a preference for diplomatic solutions.

👥 Key Players

George W. Bush MENTIONED
President of the United States
"As the U.S. President, Bush's administration was leading the push for military action against Iraq."
Saddam Hussein MENTIONED
President of Iraq
"Saddam was the leader of Iraq, and his regime was the target of U.S. military action."
U.S. Congress MENTIONED
Legislative branch of the United States
"The protests in Washington were strategically located near Congress to influence U.S. legislative decision-making."

📰 What Happened

Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide protested against a potential U.S. war with Iraq, criticizing the Bush administration's policies. Demonstrations took place in Washington and other cities, with participants advocating for peaceful resolutions.

  • Protests occurred globally, with significant gatherings in Washington, D.C.
  • A Newsweek poll showed that 80% of Americans supported war only with allied and UN approval.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran, as a neighboring country to Iraq, had significant security and political interests in the outcome of U.S. actions in Iraq.
🌍 Regional: The potential war threatened regional stability, affecting neighboring countries and altering power dynamics in the Middle East.
🌐 International: The protests reflected global opposition to U.S. unilateral military actions and highlighted the importance of international consensus.

📚 Background

In early 2003, the U.S. was building a case for military intervention in Iraq, citing weapons of mass destruction and links to terrorism as justifications.

Iraq War U.S. foreign policy
📡 Source: INTERNATIONAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The article provides a broad overview of global protests, reflecting international perspectives on U.S. policy.

On Saturday, hundreds of thousands gathered worldwide to express their opposition to a potential U.S. war with Iraq and condemned the Bush administration's policies. Demonstrators in Washington, despite freezing temperatures, gathered in front of the U.S. Congress, listening to speeches from activists and their leaders. Following this, another group marched towards a U.S. military facility near Congress, protesting vigorously but peacefully. The protesters carried placards stating, 'No blood for oil!' and chanted, 'Bush, don't bomb!' Similar demonstrations were planned in other American cities. Another protest is scheduled for today, Sunday, in front of the White House and other locations. A new poll released by Newsweek on Saturday indicated that 80% of Americans believe the U.S. would be safer without Saddam. Likewise, 80% of Americans stated they would support a war with Iraq only if America's main allies joined and the United Nations Security Council approved it. Nevertheless, about 60% believe more time should be given for peaceful means to achieve U.S. objectives.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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