Anti-war protesters demand US leave Iraq

Anti-war protesters demand US leave Iraq

Sun Mar 20, 2011 2:49AM

Ross Frasier, Press TV, Los Angeles

More than a thousand people gathered to protest America's continuing involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan and now the start of yet another war on Libya.

The protesters took over the streets of Hollywood to rally the anti-war support.

The message of the protest is clear that American involvement in the Middle East and North Africa must come to an end.

Mike Prysner is one of the protest organizers.

Prysner says the Iraq war has had significant consequences and has done little to improve safety in the Middle East.

The protest has taken place each year since the war began and each year, the attendance grows.

Organizers say the protest was energized by the recent uprisings in Egypt and the strong show of support in Wisconsin.

They say it demonstrates the power of the people can result in significant change.

Organizers say it's also because the public is becoming more aware that the 700 million dollars annually paying for the wars could be better used at home for jobs and education.

Anthony Whitaker with Veterans for Peace says he does support the existence of the military but only in a limited role.

And there were some veterans in support of the involvement in the Middle East, saying it had brought positive results.

But there was no support for the United States beginning a military campaign in Libya.

Protesters say over the past 8 years, American involvement in the Middle East has eroded security in the region.

The protest in Hollywood coincided with several others across the United States.

Organizers say the massive attendances show the anger in America over the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the latest involvement in Libya.