by Jeanne Trubek
NATO celebrated 75 years of existence this July by holding its summit in Washington, DC. Anti-war organizations held an Counter-Summit – NO NATO YES PEACE – the weekend before NATO’s summit, on July 6 and 7. Hundreds of peace activists from around the world gathered on Saturday to hear many inspiring speakers talk about the world-wide impact of NATO. NATO’s expansion was a major topic, as well as the extension of the North Atlantic to the entire world. Sevim Dagdelen, European parliament member from Germany and member of the new Sahra Wagenknecht party, was the keynote speaker. Panels included speakers from France, UK, Germany, Belgium, Japan, Korea, Palestine, Canada and the US. The assembled peace activists enthusiastically sang along with Ben Grosscup who wore an Uncle Sam costume.
A second antiwar coalition, Resist NATO, also organized a conference. Hundreds of young people attended this meeting which was organized by over 60 organizations such as the International League of Peoples’ Struggle – US (ILPS-US), Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), Bayan USA, Black Alliance for Peace (BAP), International Action Center, United National Antiwar Coalition (UNAC), and National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (NAARPR).
On Sunday the Resist NATO Coalition rallied in McPherson Square (near the White House) and then marched, loudly chanting all the way, to Lafayette Square. Here they joined the NO NATO YES PEACE rally where there were more speakers, more singing and more chanting. All of this took place in 100 degree heat. By the end of the day the crowd was crowding in the shade of any tree available. Ten MAPA members attended the rally and conferences.
You can watch the events and listen to the speakers by going to https://nonatoyespeace.org/.
