The U.S. has already spent more that $1billion bombing Iraq and Syria since 2014 without an Congressional debate or authorization. Thousands of troops have been deployed in the last year. After nearly 12 years of military intervention, over 350,000 loves are lost, nearly $4.5 trillion spent, and Islamophobic attacks in the U.S. continue to persist. This war needs to come to an end. Read all of SPC's Feb. 23 statement.

Want to learn more why we stand opposed to military "solutions" to address the growth of ISIS? We've compiled a reading list to help us better understand the violent situation in the Middle East and the non-military solution options.

Latest Anti-drone Actions

In spite of a major snow storm, during the week of February 2, anti-weaponized drones activists visited seven Senate offices were visited across NYS. Organized by the Upstate Coalition to Ground the Drones and End the Wars (www.upstatedroneaction.org), activists in Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, New York City, Peekskill, Rochester and Syracuse spoke with staff and provided information. A Washington, D.C. activist brought materials for us to offices on the hill. Some reports have come back.
Albany: Two activists met with Sen. Schumer’s aide, and had a friendly, informal discussion. The aide was interested in the strange use of the Orders of Protection that have been used on Hancock drone resisters.
Binghamton: Three activists met with Sen. Schumer’s aide and were told that they could see e either Schumer’s Defense Staffer or the Senator himself (maybe) in late April in Washington, D.C. At least one of them plans to go down.
Buffalo: Six activists met with Sen. Gillibrand’s and Schumer’s aides for two hours, who were very interested.
NYC: They met with Sen. Schumer’s aide.
Syracuse: Seven members of SPC’s Ground the Drones End the Wars Committee met with Sen. Gillibrand’s regional director for over an hour. It was productive, and we are inviting her to see the play Grounded, being shown on Monday, March 9 at 7pm at May Memorial Unitarian Society. View the poster; other details.
All in all, we felt good about the meetings. Locally we plan to meet with Sen. Schumer’s and Rep. Katko’s offices.
Read the materials we brought:
--letter from Afghani Raz Mohammed requesting that the U.S. courts protect his family and village from drone attacks. His brother-in-law and four of his friends had been killed in a drone attack.
--talking points
--Drone Strikes: tears in Congress as Pakistani family tells of mother's death (The Guardian, 10/29/13)
--You Never Die Twice (Reprieve)
--bibliography,
--Living Under Drones (Stanform and NYU Law Schools, Sept. 2012).

For more information, contact Carol at carol@peacecouncil.net or 315.472.5478.