Rally calls for peace

More than 70 students, faculty and community members marched across Ann Arbor on Saturday, carrying signs and handing out pamphlets protesting the use of force against Iraq.

"We're here united in a common cause," announced a voice from the megaphone to the bustling crowd that had gathered. "Today we have to be heard, and we have to be seen."

Amidst chants of "don't attack Iraq" and "end sanctions now," the group marched down South State Street and crossed to East Stadium Boulevard, where the march ended at St. Francis Church.

Along the way, participants announced facts about the effects of the "Desert Storm" bombing and the U.S. sanctions on the people of Iraq.

"This isn't a political thing. It's a humanitarian effort," said LSA senior Imad El-Sayed, one of the organizers of the event.

LOUIS BROWN/Daily Ann Arbor resident Rosette Arraf marches along the streets of Ann Arbor in protest of a possible U.S. military attack on Iraq.

"Over 567,000 kids have died so far (due to the Gulf War bombings and UN sanctions). Just imagine what another bombing of Iraq would do," El-Sayed said.

According to UNICEF estimates, 4,500 Iraqi children die each month, and one out of four children is suffering from severe malnutrition.

But with the Clinton administration using phrases such as "time is running out," protesters said they have to do something quickly to turn the tide.

"I just want people to be aware," El-Sayed said.

"I want to let them know what's going on and then let them decide. Is all this necessary?"

The march attracted the attentions of bypassers. Drivers honked their horns in support, and people walking by shouted to encourage the demonstrators.

"I just asked if people were interested (in getting information), and for the most part, they were," said Philosophy Prof. Eric Lormand.

Although many people showed their support, some voiced their disapproval of the protesters.

"What about Israel?" asked one bystander.

Others seemed apathetic, while some stuck to the position that Iraq should be bombed no matter what.

Organizers drew hope for their cause from other factors beside the reactions of bystanders.

"There were a lot more (demonstrators) than expected. It really gives me encouragement for the future," El-Sayed said. But he cautioned that the fight is far from over.

In a White House meeting this past Thursday, Clinton and British Prime Minster Tony Blair emphasized that they would prefer a diplomatic solution to the standoff with Iraq, but made it clear that a military strike may be necessary.

"Diplomacy has not been exhausted," El-Sayed said. "There is still a lot more that can be done."

More protests and actions are in the works for Prevent - a group that formed this past Monday to educate people about the "threat to humanity" occurring in Iraq.

Prevent is planning to distribute further information on campus as well as support other programs such as teach-ins.

"This was essentially a last minute thing," said LSA sophomore William Youmans, an organizer for the march.

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