Three Years Later

As the war in Iraq reaches its third anniversary, the world prepares to march
by Jessie PascoeMarch 17th, 2006 6:23 PM

This Sunday marks the third anniversary of the U.S. military's invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq. A total of 2,313 American soldiers have died and credible reports point to at least 30,000 Iraqi civilian deaths. The war has been a divisive issue since day one—more than three years after millions marched on cities around the world, major cities in the U.S. and abroad will almost certainly see significant action on the streets once again.

Here's a sample of what you can do in New York:

1) A protest organized by the War Resisters League will turn Times Square into a "zone of mourning." Starting at 1 p.m. protesters will meet at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue. From there they will walk two-by-two on the sidewalk (the event is unpermitted) towards the Times Square recruiting center. Street theater and outreach efforts will work to emphasize the human cost of war. For more information on how to participate in this event visit the War Resisters website [warresisters.org] or call 718-768-7306.

2) Theaters Against War (THAW) has organized a night of pro-peace performances. Member theaters and individual artists will share short pieces that attempt to deal with the outrage over the Iraqi war and the continuing assault on civil liberties. Headlining the evening will be Kathleen Chalfant and Kia Corthron. Performances are scheduled to start at 7 p.m. at PS 122, 150 First Avenue. For more information visit thawaction.org.

3) The Bring Em Home Now Concert, benefiting the Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace, will take place at 8 p.m. Monday March 20th at Hammerstein Ballroom. The line-up includes Michael Stipe, Rufus Wainwright, and Bright Eyes. Activists Cindy Sheehan and Susan Saradon will join in demanding an end to the ongoing conflict. For more information visit www.nyamerica.org.