For immediate release September 10, 2014

A forum called "US Foreign Policy: The Wars Continue" will take place on Tuesday, September 23 at 7:00 PM at the Friends Meeting House, 4312 SE Stark in Portland to examine America's role in the wars in Iraq/Syria, Afghanistan, Gaza, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, and the re-ignited Cold War with Russia.

After the US "withdrew" from Iraq in late 2011, the President urged Congress to repeal the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force in Iraq, yet in early August, he ordered bombs and missiles to be dropped on that country. On September 10, he announced his intention to bomb inside Syria, a nation which did not invite US intervention. President Obama also promised to withdraw troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, but now it appears at least 10,000 troops will remain there indefinitely. The US Senate unanimously approved a resolution supporting Israel's recent incursion into Gaza, which killed hundreds of civilians. Tensions in Ukraine signal a renewed military standoff with Russia. And the US continues dropping bombs from drones in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia, while Libya and Syria's situations remain unstable as well due to US intervention. Meanwhile, America spends more on the military than any other nation as its infrastructure crumbles and the gap between rich and poor widens.

Organizers expect to have one or more action items related to US policies for people attending to undertake.

Donations will be accepted but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

The coordinators of the forum include Peace and Justice Works Iraq Affinity Group, Occupy Portland Elder Caucus, American Friends Service Committee and Women's International League for Peace and Freedom-Portland. Endorsed by Recruiter Watch PDX, Little Light of Mine Friends Worship Group, Portland Fellowship of Reconciliation, Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility, Veterans for Peace Chapter 72, Jewish Voice for Peace-Portland, and others. Other groups are welcome to support the effort. For more information or to get involved contact Peace and Justice Works at 503-235-3065 or iraq@pjw.info.

A flyer for the event has been posted at < http://www.pjw.info/foreign_policy_forum_flyer.pdf>.

Speakers list:
(New! 9/21/14)

In response to the most frequently asked question, we are posting the list of the speakers confirmed as of 9/21/14. Please note this is subject to change due to availability and unforeseen circumstances.

Host: Cecil Prescod, co-host of KBOO's More Talk Radio

Speakers:
Jenka Soderberg (KBOO evening news director)
Amin Wahab (Afghan American activist)
Ian LaVallee (Iraq War Veteran)
Maya Rotem (Israeli American activist)
Robin Hahnel (economics professor)
Lenny Dee (Onward Oregon/350 Oregon)

The panel presentation will be followed by Q&A and an opportunity to take action.